A new monument is unveiled at The Park

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Saturday, August 8, 2015 saw a new monument unveiled at the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. This stone marker was unveiled to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the arrival of the The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada in Newfoundland during World War 2 on Saturday, August 10, 1940. They arrived by ship into the Port of Botwood on that same day, some stayed in Botwood and the remainder moved on to Gander by train. Their mission was the defense of Newfoundland by providing security for both strategic airfields at Botwood and Gander.

This commemorative event was organized by The Maritimes Newfoundland Branch of the QORC. A similar stone marker was unveiled in Botwood the next day Sunday, August 9. I understand that the QORC got much needed help from 91 Construction Engineering Flight of 9 Wing Gander with both stone markers. 9 Wing Gander also provided the public address system and the music for the singing of "O Canada" and "God Save the Queen" for Friday's ceremonies in Gander.

The ceremonies started with the parade of veterans led by the QORC including a drummer and bugler. Dignitaries who spoke represented the Veterans, the Royal Canadian Legion, the QORC, 9 Wing Gander and the Town of Gander. Once the speeches were completed the official unveiling of the commemorative stone marker took place. After the unveiling the bugler and drummer played Last Post followed by 2 minutes of silence and then the bugler and drummer played Reveille. The parade was dismissed after a wreath was laid to remember fallen comrades. Veterans in attendance came from as far away as Victoria BC for this weekend's events and many lingered after the ceremonies to have their photos taken posing with the "Winged Victory". "Sgt. Gander", the QORC's "commemorative stone marker", the "Airmen's Memorial Wall" and the "Poppy Memorial Monument" on display at The Park for the afternoon (see below).

BACKGROUND
(from the unveiling ceremonies' program)

Today we are gathered to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada having been garrisoned in Newfoundland on August 10th, 1940. The Regiment's first assignment was the Defense of Newfoundland. The Queen's Own Rifles battalion on arrival in Botwwod, was split between Botwood and Gander. The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada is Canada's oldest serving Regiment having formed in Toronto in 1860 making the Regiment Canada's oldest continuously serving Infantry unit. Two of its Regular Arm Battalions were stationed in Victoria, BC during the Cold War, the 2nd Battalion returned from Korea in 1955 and departed to Germany in 1957. The 1st Battalion returned from Nato duty in Germany in 1963 and were at Work Point Barracks, Victoria, BC until re-designated Third Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 1970. The Queen's Own Rifles have a long and proud record of service to Canada, fighting its first engagement in 1866 near Ridgeway, Ontario against Fenian Raiders from the United States. The deaths of 9 soldiers at that time heralded sacrifices in campaigns throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The QOR served in the North West Rebellion, Boer War, First and Second World War, Korea, Nato duty, Cyprus and other Peacekeeping Operations including Afghanistan. Every year there are untold numbers of Veterans and their children and grandchildren touring the country to visit wartime sites to review and research history of how they and their forefathers lived during these times. These Stone Markers being unveiled today symbolizes the dedication and sacrifices of soldiers of the Regiment in War and Peace. It also reflects the affection, admiration and appreciation of all Rifleman of The Queen's Own for their service to the Regiment and to Canada.

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Photos of the day (courtesy of Gerard McCarthy) ...

Parade of Veterans

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The Veterans

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Commemorative Stone Marker before the unveiling
Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
2nd Battalion
"In Pace Paratus - In Peace Prepared"

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Rev. Wes Oake leading the parade in prayer
WW2 Veteran, retired United Church minister and Honourary Patron of The Park

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The official unveiling party with honour guards

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Commemorative Stone Marker
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
2nd Battalion
"In Pace Paratus - In Peace Prepared"
IN COMMEMORATION OF
THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE QUEEN'S OWN RIFLES OF CANADA
GARRISONED IN NEWFOUNDLAND
AT GANDER AND BOTWOOD IN 1940

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Last Post, 2 minutes of silence and Reveille

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Commemorative Stone Marker and Wreath

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Programme ...

Programme Page 1

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Programme Page 2

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Programme Page 3

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Programme Page 4

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The Poppy Memorial Monument

Before, during and after the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada ceremonies at The Park the Poppy Memorial Monument to remember the Canadian Forces members who lost their lives in Afghanistan was on display along with the Book of Condolences. The Book of Condolences has a page for every Canadian killed in Afghanistan. I had a chance to talk to all 4 Canadian Forces members who traveled with the monument to Gander for this occasion. They drove from Kingston ON to be in Gander for the QORC's ceremonies on Friday, went to Botwood on Saturday for the ceremonies there and started their long drive back to Kingston today Monday.

Photos of the day (courtesy of Gerard McCarthy) ...

The Poppy Memorial Monument

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The Book of Condolences
A page for every Canadian killed in Afghanistan

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The Poppy Memorial Monument
You will notice that the 2 handles are different, the intact one on the right represents a Canadian soldier before going to Afghanistan and the broken one on the left represents the soldier who came home alive but maimed in some way or suffering from PTSD

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Presented to: Poppy Memorial Outreach Program
From: 1 Combat Engineer Regiment
CHIMO

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Related Links ...

• The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada website
• QORC's role in NL 1940-1941
• Botwood and its role during WW2
• Gander and its role during WW2
• The Maritimes Newfoundland Branch of the QORC
• 91 Construction Engineering Flight web page
• 9 Wing Gander web page
• Poppy Memorial Monument Project web page - Bringing The Poppy Home
• Marking military history - Gander Beacon article published Augst 06, 2015
• WAR DIARIES 1940 - The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archives
• NEWFOUNDLAND AND NEW BRUNSWICK 1940-1941 - The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archives
• Welcome page - The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum and Archives
• The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada - From Wikipedia

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Gerard McCarthy, Webmaster / August 10, 2015

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NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
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Thank you. Gerard

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Aliant Utility Box

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We are extremely pleased with the graphic images covering the Aliant Utility Box on the outskirts of the Park. You will recall that in June 2014 we issued a "Call to Artists" to submit proposals for the painting of the box, but after attempting relentlessly for six months, we were unable to get any artist to commit. We then looked at the approach of having a graphic attached to it and we are so thankful that Greg Seaward offered to draft a graphic design for us. After hundreds of hours, Greg submitted his final concept and the Committee were in awe of how he captured all the aspects of the Park and thus the printing and application began.

In his presentation Greg describes how he interprets the artwork: In terms of symbolism, the front image (above) represents wartime service, featuring a young pilot wearing a traditional sheepskin jacket, leather cap and goggles, as Hudson bombers pass overhead; the Lee-Enfield rifle and Brodie-style helmet represent those killed in action, and these elements are presented against a background of the Union Jack, the flag which Newfoundlanders fought under at the time.

Facing the park (above), the same symbols are presented in their contemporary forms, from the perspective of remembrance: the pilot is replaced by an aging veteran and the aircraft have become CF-18s; the temporary grave marker has given way to the Cross of Sacrifice from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and the background has become the Canadian flag.

It should be noted that in this interpretation, these are simply symbols of the overall theme of the Heritage Memorial Park, and are in no way intended to represent or exclude any specific people or events. For example, the Lee-Enfield and Brodie helmet may also be associated with the First World War, but less so the Korean Conflict; it simply represents the fallen on the figurative 'field of battle', and not a specific conflict or branch of service. Likewise, I chose the Cross of Sacrifice more because of the permanence of stone, juxtaposed against the makeshift rifle/helmet, rather than, say, a poppy to signify remembrance.

We gratefully thank Greg Seaward for the design, Aliant and the Town of Gander for their donations to make this transition from a utility box to a wonderful enhancement to the Park!

Greg Seaward is a former Gander Beacon reporter and now Media Coordinator for the Town of Gander.

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Maxine Smith, Committee Member / July 29, 2015
The photos are courtesy of Gerard McCarthy. They were taken on July 25^th, 2015

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NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget you have to prove that you are not a robot - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

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A Park Report for November 14 2014

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A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

If the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" then Carol's beautiful photos of the new Gander Heritage Memorial Park are worth millions. The Committee is extremely proud of the accomplishments this year and, although there is still more work to be done and more funds to raise, we wish again to recognize some very special people who have gotten us to where we are today.

• To all our donors: individuals, businesses, service clubs and Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments: This would not have been possible without your generosity and support. Can you imagine the donations and gratuitous services to date total more than $430,000.00! If you haven't yet donated, we really need more funds to proceed with the next phase in Summer 2015. Remember us when you need those tax deductions!


• Our gratuitous services donors and volunteer labourers, especially Bob Janes and Clyde Burt who spent many long hours at the site doing 'hard labour'; and the committee members and their spouses for saving our foliage by watering them morning and night during the hottest, driest July on record.


• Rev. Wesley Oake for his bravery and dedication in Parachuting from an aircraft at 10000 ft. to support the Park. He has received pledges in excess of $20,000.00 and is still receiving donations! You may still pledge to Rev. Oake by following the "How to donate" section on this website's Donations page and send a short email to Treasurer Joy Janes rajanes@nf.sympatico.ca advising her your donation is for Rev. Oake.

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On November 11^th Rev. Oake was honoured with a certificate from the Knights of Columbus which reads in part: "An Expression of Grateful Appreciation for your Act of Service in Defense of Peoples Basic Rights to a life of Freedom and Dignity". Seen here in the photo below presenting the Certificate is Ed Blackmore of the Knights of Columbus, Gander.

Rev. Oake (L) accepting the Knights of Columbus certificate from
Ed Blackmore of the Knights of Columbus

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We were so very fortunate to have hired Varrick Hillier as Site Foreman. If he was to follow the job description of Site Foreman we would not see so much accomplished nor such beauty. His attention to every detail including doing a lot of the manual labor himself and overcoming many adversities from weather, staffing problems, equipment and material delays, budget overruns, etc. etc. earned him the title of 'Superman'. On November 11^th we presented him with a Superman hat to replace his hardhat. We are so very grateful to Varrick for going above and beyond and for following the specifications of the Park Architect Dr. Colleen Mercer-Clarke.

The Park Site Foreman Varrick Hillier

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A HUGE Thank You to the Gander Shrine Club for their donation of $6500.00 to purchase four new flag poles. These photos show Eric Murray President of the Gander Shrine Club presenting the cheque to Treasurer Joy Janes and the shiny new flag poles installed at the Park in time for Remembrance Day. This makes a total of $21,500.00 in donations from the Gander Shrine Club. WOW!

The Park Treasurer Joy Janes accepting a cheque from Eric Murray President of the Gander Shrine Club and The Park flag poles

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Diane Davis shared her beautiful photos of Remembrance Day Ceremonies and it should be noted that a record number of participants attended the ceremonies this year. I am sure this was in part due to recent tragic events in Ottawa and Quebec as well as those in Moncton earlier, however, I also feel many people gathered to see the Park as they had been seeing the progress as they passed by every day. Please take the time to see more of Diane's excellent photos and videos by clicking here to visit her website LAZYDAYSNL!

2014 November 11^th Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Park in Gander!
Photo courtesy of LAZYDAYSNL and Diane Davis

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For those who have purchased Plaza Stones, here is an excellent view of those beautiful Newfoundland granite stones. Also, the cross is temporarily placed on Sgt. Gander's granite base.

The Plaza Stones
Photo courtesy of LAZYDAYSNL and Diane Davis

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The focal point and main objective of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park is the Monument to Sgt. Gander. Unfortunately the statues of Sgt. Gander and his soldier/handler could not be completed by this year's Remembrance Day Ceremonies but will be ready and installed early summer of 2015. Committee member Pat Brazil recently visited the Foundry and shared these photos with us. It is easy to see the 'larger-than-life' size of the monuments and also the detail involved in sculpting them. We are so looking forward to seeing the finished sculptures.

Pat with the statues of Sgt. Gander and Sgt. Gander's soldier/handler

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Although WE think the Park is stunning, we would certainly appreciate hearing from you and ask that you post your comments and opinions on the website or you can email them to committee members Maxine Smith maxine@briggsaero.com or Carol Walsh carol.walsh@nf.sympatico.ca.

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Maxine Smith / November 20, 2014

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NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

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Donations and a Park progress report as of August 07, 2014

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Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Makes 3^rd Donation to Park ...

Reverend Wesley Oake, Honorary Patron of The Gander Heritage Memorial Park and Chairman, Wilson Hoffe gratefully accept a donation of $3000.00 from the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Gander. This represents the proceeds from the Cold Plate Take-Out Dinner held on April 9, 2014. We are extremely grateful to the Ladies Auxiliary for this, their third donation to the park, for a total of $5,500.00. This was a great fund-raiser and with help from some of the Park committee it went extremely well. There are some hard-working ladies in that Auxiliary and they are already planning their next event to raise even more funds for the Park. Thank you all so much!

(L-R) Rev. Wesley Oake; Beulah Cooper, Secretary and Clara Cross, Vice President of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary; Wilson Hoffe
Photo courtesy of Wilson Hoffe

More Donations ...

Kenny and Marleen Alhadeff of Seattle, WA were visiting Gander with playwrights Irene Carl Sankoff and husband David Hein. Sankoff and Hein have written a musical about the 9/11 experience in Gander and area called "Come From Away". With the other producers from Junk Yard Dog Productions, their plan is to continue to workshop the play with the intention of taking it to Broadway. As part of their research, the producers, director and playwrights visited Appleton, Glenwood, Gambo and Gander to learn more about the various responses to the needs of 9/11 passengers.

They were also treated to a Screech-In ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion where they met Rev. Wesley Oake and learned about his courageous parachute jump and his fundraising endeavors for the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. They did not hesitate to make a donation of $1,000.00 USD to Rev. Oake on behalf of the Alhadeff Family Charitable Foundation which was formed in 1997. On behalf of the Gander Heritage Memorial Park and Rev. Oake, our sincere thanks for their generosity.

(L-R) Wilson Hoffe, Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff, Rev. Wesley Oake
Photo courtesy of Diane Davis

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The screech-in patrons chewing on their 'hard-tack' before the tasty caplin and the generous shot of Newfoundland Screech
Photo courtesy of Diane Davis

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Marleen proudly showing her Screechers certificate as the other screechers: Kenny, Irene, David, Randy and Sue recover
Photo courtesy of Diane Davis

Rev. Oake, and indeed the Park Committee, are in awe of the numerous donations we are receiving in his name since his successful parachute jump. Rev. Oake's goal was to raise $9,100.00 and at the time of his jump had already raised $13,000.00 and of this date, the contributions have risen to almost $19,000.00. This is absolutely magnificent and we can't thank you all enough. Each and every donation of $5, $10, $20, etc. brings us closer to completing this beautiful Park.

It's impossible to single out any particular donation, however, Rev. Oake says one of the most emotional and inspiring donations came from the family of the late Capt. G. Campbell Eaton. Capt. Eaton served in the 166^th Regiment of the Royal Artillery, which is the same regiment in which Rev. Oake served. This Newfoundland Field Regiment fought in Britain, Africa and Italy in World War II for which Capt. Eaton received the Military Cross. The family recently visited Gander and met with Rev. Oake and presented him with six donations of $166.00 each, representing the regiment number to which Rev. Oake and Capt. Eaton were assigned. Again, our sincere thanks to the Eaton family.

Park Progress ...

Work is progressing very well at the Park, while some people only see mounds of dirt, others can see it taking shape. Our Site Foreman and two site workers are working hard every day in extremely high temperatures. Our trees, shrubs and plants are thriving, thanks to the attention of the staff and our volunteers watering them twice daily. We really need rain to help them along but then rain is a detriment to some other work ongoing. The Airmen's Memorial is erected, thanks to Town of Gander employees & our Site Foreman. (Extra brackets were installed just yesterday and the strapping in the photo has now been be removed.)

Airmen's Memorial
Photo courtesy of Gerard McCarthy

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Airmen's Memorial
Photo courtesy of Gerard McCarthy

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One of many groupings of white hydrangeas planted through the Park
Photo courtesy of Gerard McCarthy

The tender has been awarded for the laying of the walkway pavers and the plaza stones, however we still need to sell more plaza stones to pay the huge bills, not just the cost of purchasing them but to have them installed. Remember they are $100.00 each and are a great way to do an in-memoriam to a loved one. See "How Donations Will Work" on the Donations page of this website or at the end of this post.

The forms are all ready for the pouring of the concrete for the 4 flagpoles and when this is done, that huge mound of dirt will disappear and in its place will be beautiful green grass.

Waiting for concrete and then the flag poles
Photo courtesy of Gerard McCarthy

The new permanent bronze plaque for the Winged Victory is on order, which will be much larger than the temporary one which was hastily installed last year for the November 11^th ceremonies. We hope it will be in place for the Battle of Britain Ceremonies on September 14^th. We'll post photos of it with the new plaza stones in September. However, Winged Victory is magnificent thanks to the wonderful job of restoration done by sculptor, Morgan McDonald.

"Winged Victory" restored by Newfoundland Foundry and standing on a hunk of Newfoundland granite
Photo courtesy of Gerard McCarthy

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"Winged Victory" came from the original Gander Cenotaph erected many many years ago
Photo courtesy of Gerard McCarthy

Photos of the park in its present state courtesy of Gerard McCarthy. Thanks so much Gerard for taking the time to get the great photos and sharing them with everyone.

Sgt. Gander & his Soldier/Handler ...

This is indeed the most significant monument and focal point of the entire park and was the main objective of the Gander Schools Legacy Project. We sure did not anticipate the huge undertaking when looking for an appropriate site for Sgt. Gander back in 2010.

Sculptor, Morgan McDonald of Newfoundland Bronze Foundry sent us these progress photos with his 'technical' explanations. "This needs a good bit of clay modeling so there is nothing impressive to look at yet. You can see the size in the photo, and get the sense of scale next to me sculpting. Gander is on the right side of the soldier, this is where his leash will go. He is quite big, so much so you may say he is larger than life."

Progress
Photo courtesy of Newfoundland Bronze Foundry

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Progress
Photo courtesy of Newfoundland Bronze Foundry

Morgan also went on to say: "I have to say I am blown away by Rev Oake. His efforts, past and present, risking life and limb for the benefit of us all is humbling. He is an inspiring individual to say the least. Watching the video of him jumping out of the plane to bring awareness to this project filled me with a sense of pride to be working with such individuals. I will be thinking of this when sculpting.".

Thank you, Morgan. We are so anxious to see the two sculptures completed and are anticipating the unveiling to be held mid-September during the Battle of Britain Ceremonies at the Park.

Park Budget ...

The initial budget of $450,000.00 for the Park, done several years ago, was based on considerable in-kind labour and materials. However, in many instances these contributions have not been possible due to circumstances beyond the control of these promised contractors/suppliers. Having spent last summer depending on the availability of gratis equipment, materials, etc. progress was extremely slow. This year to ensure steady progress and to reach our goals of having several phases completed this year, we have had to hire a Site Manager, rent a great deal of equipment, hire contractors and purchase materials, which was not all included in the budget. We have tightened our belts, so to say, and have obtained 3-4 quotes on every purchase and service so as to select the lowest bid and in some cases, have been able to have these contracts completed at cost or reduced rates. Even with these tight restraints, the Engineering and Design Consultants have had to re-work the budget and have presented us with a new target cost of $540,000.00.

We are actively working on new fund-raising ideas and although the donations to date have been fantastic and we know you have all dug deep in your pockets, we still need the assistance of the public and businesses. Please spread the word about this scenic and historic park and get family, friends and business associates involved. If you have ideas for fund-raising or donations we would be grateful to have them or even if you can volunteer some labour, we can certainly use extra hands at times. Email maxine@briggsaero.com if you can help. Thank You!

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Maxine Smith, Committee Member / August 07, 2014

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We now have an updated Donations page and an updated Donations Progress Bar with an updated Ticker on the right. As of July 31 2014 we have achieved 77.7% of our target which amounts to $419,577 of our target total of $540,000. Thank you to all who have donated your time or financial aid ... much appreciated! The progress bar now depicts the percentage based on the new budget target.

On the Donations page I updated sections Small Business Donors, Individual Donors and Plaza Stones Purchases!

to jump to the updated Donations page to view all updated sections.

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PLEASE NOTE***
We now acknowledge donations made In memory of. The committee is looking at a plaque of some type to be permanently mounted at the Gander Heritage Memorial Park site acknowledging these individual donations. Both PayPal and the Town of Gander have no means of recording the donation made In memory of. If you want your name to appear as a donor In memory of on this website please email our Site Administrator Gerard at gerard.mccarthy.99@gmail.com or Committee Member Maxine at maxine@briggsaero.com and your donation will be recorded as such and will be shown as In memory of.

PLEASE NOTE***
If you don't want your name to appear as a donor on this website please email our Site Administrator Gerard at gerard.mccarthy.99@gmail.com or Committee Member Maxine at maxine@briggsaero.com and your donation will be shown as anonymous.

PLEASE NOTE***
You may purchase plaza stones by simply making your donation in the same manner as detailed on this website and then send a short email to Maxine maxine@briggsaero.com denoting that the donation is for the "purchase of paving stone(s)". Receipts for income tax purposes will be issued by the Town of Gander.

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Gerard McCarthy / August 07, 2014

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NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

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Update on Park Construction

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We are happy to report that work is commencing on the re-construction of the Park.

The Park Committee has been meeting and planning all winter, and, although it may appear that not much has been done, this past year has seen well over $100,000 in underground construction and the restoration of the Winged Victory. Installation of a drainage system together with replacing and improving the ground system is not easily seen by the general public.

Winged Victory was removed and restored by sculptor Morgan MacDonald at his Newfoundland Bronze Foundry in St. John's at a cost of approximately $75,000. The 12 ton base of Newfoundland granite and concrete foundation amounted to well over $20,000.

In the coming weeks, construction and installation of underground electrical elements will be concluded and a large concrete base is being prepared for the re-mounting of the Wall of Honour of the 125^th Newfoundland Squadron of the RAF. This large monument is approximately 9 feet high at its centre and more than 20 feet wide.

The cenotaph will receive finishing touches and the area in front of it will be paved with granite stones which are being specially cut at the quarry of Prestige Rock located near Norris Arm.

In addition, walkways, landscaping, planting of trees, shrubs, etc. will appear by mid to late July. Trees and shrubs have arrived at the nursery and are being held until planting time.

The life-size statue of Sgt. Gander and Rifleman Fred Kelly is presently being created by sculptor Morgan MacDonald and is scheduled to be in place by September.

Benches, receptacles, a water fountain, a low granite wall with tribute plaques and interpretation panels are all included in this phase of construction.

A site foreman is being hired to ensure all work is carried out on schedule and two additional labourers will be hired very shortly.

We have been fortunate to have such great partners contributing to this cause but we will need to acquire more funding in order to meet the requirements.

We hope that contributors will consider the purchase of a plaza paving stone at a cost of $100 each and we are entertaining in memoriam donations, such as, purchasing of benches, however, we are grateful for any donation no matter how small. Directions on how to make donations can be found on the Donations page of this site.

We will post photos, etc. as they become available so keep checking back for updates.

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Carol Walsh / May 29, 2014

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NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

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Remembrance Day 2013 with a Park update report

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An estimated 500 people gathered at the Gander Heritage Memorial Park on Remembrance Day, November 11^th, to pay homage and respect to our veterans and to welcome home 'Winged Victory'. Along the walkways depicting Gander's runways, stood the Salvation Army Band, Air Cadets and Sea Cadets. All fraternal orders were represented: Masons, Elks, Lions, K of C, Shriners and Rotary as well as FSNA, Chamber of Commerce, Ferry Command, North Atlantic Aviation Museum and all branches of Government: Municipal, Provincial and Federal. Present also were representatives of 9 Wing Gander, RCMP, Legion Branch #8 and Ladies Auxiliary Branch #8. A total of 53 wreaths were laid at the base of the cenotaph. Following the ceremonies we were all invited to the Legion for a great hot lunch provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.

It is impossible, from these photos, to appreciate the magnificent structure and the profound details of the refurbishment of Winged Victory accomplished by sculptor, Morgan McDonald of the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry. It is worthy of a visit to the site to see for yourself!

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Remembrance Day 2013

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Remembrance Day 2013

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Remembrance Day 2013

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Remembrance Day 2013

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The Park Committee is so very proud of the accomplishments to date and recognize that this would not have been possible without the very generous donations we have received from individuals and service groups: Federal, Provincial and Municipal funding along with our other local fundraising projects. Our thanks to all of you! As well, sincere thanks are expressed for the gratuitous services of DMG Consulting Ltd., Dr. Colleen Mercer-Clarke, H. Wareham and Sons Ltd., Paul Pitcher, Doug Batson, J1 Contracting and the Town of Gander. Our costs incurred to date plus the in-kind contributions from those listed above indicates a total investment of approximately $227,000 to this phase 1.

Because of contractor's commitments and winter's early arrival, Phase 1 of the project which included some cosmetic work to the base of the cenotaph and the construction of the base and erection of the Airmen's Memorial, were not completed this fall. These tasks will commence in early spring with the first contractors scheduled on site on May 5, 2014. Our construction plans are also to complete Phases 2 & 3 in the spring and summer of 2014. This time period will also see the sculptor fabricating the statues of Sgt. Gander and his soldier handler so they will be ready to be placed at the entrance to the Park. If current schedules are met and there are no contractor delays, all 3 phases will be completed for a rededication ceremony and formal unveiling on September 14, 2014 at the Battle of Britain ceremonies.

As we still require additional monies to complete the park, our fundraising efforts will continue in earnest throughout the winter months and, of course, we are still gratefully accepting all donations. Bill Kelly, coordinator of the November 14^th Variety Concert did such a fantastic job that we have encouraged him to organize another concert for early 2014. (See Bill’s overview on this website). As well several groups have offered to hold fundraising events with all proceeds going to the Gander Heritage Memorial Park. This is just so amazing! Also, keep a watch for Chairman Wilson's new fundraising initiative in the next few weeks.

The Compassion monument, encompassing the two pieces of steel recovered from the World Trade Center and which will recognize Gander's role following 9/11, will become part of phase 4 of our park, scheduled for 2015. Funding has not yet been initiated for this monument and costs are expected to be in the range of $60,000 to $80,000.

We will update the website regularly so keep coming back to see how close we are to reaching our financial objectives and don't forget your comments are always welcome on this site.

A reminder to all that donations made before December 31, 2013 will be tax deductible for 2013 tax year. Official tax receipts will be issued by the Town of Gander.

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Maxine Smith / December 06, 2013

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NOTE*** Your comments are welcomed!
However, all comments will be queued for review before being published and name=anonymous will be deleted unless your name is included at the end of your comment! This is to prevent spam, etc.
Before you click Publish your Comment please click on Name/URL and enter your full name. Don't forget the scrambled words - this is so automated spams cannot be dumped here!
Thank you. Gerard

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Progress Report on Park for November 01 2013

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Cenotaph Update

There has been a flurry of activity at the park site this past week. We are happy to say that Winged Victory has now returned home and mounted on the new base. There is still some cosmetic work to be done to the base and this is expected to be completed within a few days, also, flagpoles will be installed in time for Remembrance Day. The base is of Newfoundland granite and the larger unit weighted in at 25 tons. The lower granite slabs are inscribed with reference to the various war conflicts and the Act of Remembrance is etched into the larger stone.

Work will now be able to proceed with the construction of the base for the Airmen’s Wall of Honour and the cenotaph plaza will be covered with granite stone (may not be completed this season). Landscaping will proceed as weather and time permits, however, planting may not occur until spring.

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Picking up the granite that will be base and pedestal for the mounting of the "Winged Victory"

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The granite that will be base and pedestal for the mounting of the "Winged Victory" arrives

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"Winged Victory" mounted

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"Winged Victory" mounted

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"Winged Victory" mounted

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Rev. Wesley Oake update

Rev. Oake celebrated his 91st birthday on May 31, 2013. To assist us with fundraising and in commemoration of his birthday, he had planned to parachute from an aircraft over Gander at 9100 feet and hoped to raise at least $100.00 for each 100 feet. This endeavour was planned to occur over the past summer, but, unfortunately, coordination and readiness of appropriate aircraft and certified personnel could not be realized in time for the anticipated undertaking. These unforeseen circumstances has possibly delayed any action until next season.

Throughout the past few months Rev. Oake has visited numerous businesses, organizations and individuals who have contributed generously to the new Gander Heritage Memorial Park. We cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are to have this gentleman representing us. His determination and hard work has been recognized by contributions of over $10,000 to date.

Tickets Sales

To raise additional funds the Park Committee held a ticket sale during the summer months. Our sincere thanks to the following for donating the prizes, as follows: 1^st Prize - Hand-hooked Wall Hanging of Sgt. Gander valued at $500 donated by Sandra Kelly; 2^nd Prize-Handmade Quilt valued at $300 donated by Eileen Elms; 3^rd Prize-Doll and Handmade Doll’s Clothes valued at $125 donated by Betty Burt; 4^th Prize-Handmade Kitchen Décor valued at $100 donated by Maxine Smith.

The draw took place at the Royal Canadian Legion on September 15^th by our Honorary Patron, Rev. W. Oake and the winners were: 1^st Prize - Gerald Noseworthy, 2^nd Prize – Richard Rendell, 3^rd Prize – Cynthia Pheifer and 4^th Prize – Gerald Noseworthy.

Our congratulations to the winners and our thanks to the committee for their great performance in ticket sales!

We were so pleased to realize $1087.00 from the sale of these tickets.

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Carol Walsh / November 01, 2013

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Thank you. Gerard

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