by CWO Gerry Duguid, MMM, CD (Ret’d)
The village of Martintown, first known as MacMartin’s Mills, was established between 1801-1803. Martintown is located on the Raisin River, in the township of South Glengarry, north of Cornwall. The three United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry were well known to have sent many young men to serve in both World Wars.
Discussion on the creation of a cenotaph in Martintown began one Sunday about three years ago after a Remembrance Day service. The Reverend Lois Gaudet asked Gerry Duguid and Brian Arberry why there was no cenotaph in Martintown. That day, the seeds were planted.
Numerous discussions took place as to where to construct the cenotaph. It was finally decided that the most logical and, by far the most picturesque and accessible location, was at Kenneth Barton Sr. Memorial Park, beside the Martintown Community Centre.
The community was canvassed by letter and gave unanimous approval. The next step involved designing and costing the project. Now armed with a scale model and a price, a presentation was given to the South Glengarry Township Mayor and Council on 5 December 2019. Approval from the Council for the construction of the cenotaph followed shortly.
The Martintown Cenotaph Project began. A team was selected and the first meeting of the Martintown Project Team was held on 2 March 2020. Fundraising ideas were discussed, strategies selected and timelines established. COVID arrived shortly after the first planning meeting. Fundraising strategies narrowed. It was decided that commemorative white crosses would be constructed and provided to anyone donating $50.00 or more. We asked for advice as to how to obtain financial support from Veteran’s Affairs. The Lancaster Legion and our MP Eric Duncan guided us through this process. Donations were received from residents and organizations, including the Canadian Military Engineers Association.
Construction of the Cenotaph commenced, with completion of the slab in September 2020. On 10 November 2020, nearly 80 crosses were laid and lit up with tea lights to commemorate the Martintown veterans. A roll call took place. The crosses remained in place until the morning of 12 November 2020.
Construction of the remainder of the Cenotaph began in the spring of 2021 and was completed by September.
On 10 November 2021, crosses were again placed, this time around the newly constructed cenotaph. At sunset, a piper could be seen starting from the banks of the Raisin River and winding his way through the crosses. The crosses remained lit until the morning of the 12th.
The first Remembrance Day Service at the Martintown Cenotaph in Kenneth Barton Sr. Memorial Park took place on 11 November 2021. Among the many names memorialised is Cpl Alwyn Kenneth Ross, 5th Field Company, RCE, who died on Juno Beach on 6 June 1944.