SASKATOON — Over 1,200 trees have been planted at Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon, serving as a poignant memorial for the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in the Canadian Armed Forces during two World Wars and other conflicts involving the nation.
Retired Col. Malcolm Young, CD, made a heartfelt request to everyone who gathered on Sunday, June 18, for the 100th Anniversary of the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue. He urged everyone to remember the names engraved on each plaque placed in front of every tree, honouring the unwavering dedication of these individuals to serve their Flag and Country. He emphasized the significance of this occasion, stating that such a centenary celebration is a rarity in one's lifetime.
Notably, this commemorative event saw the presence of nine veterans from World War II and the Korean War, five of whom are centenarians. The oldest among them, Harold Chapman, aged 106, shared that he was alive in 1923 when the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue was established.
Young drew attention to the individual stories behind each tree, highlighting that despite the military's focus on dates and battles as mere numbers, each tree and accompanying plaque bears a name. He implored attendees to take a moment to reflect on these details as they departed the cemetery, urging them to recall the names on Nov. 11, Remembrance Day.
Harold Chapman was not at the opening and parade as he was merely six years old when the avenue was inaugurated on June 18, 1923. The solemn occasion drew a crowd of 8,000 witnesses. The Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue stretches from 33rd Street and passes through the gates of Woodlawn Cemetery.
During the ceremony, Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to the 100th anniversary, ensuring a lasting memory of the sacrifices made by the Canadian Armed Forces members from Saskatchewan while Mayor Charlie Clark recited the resolution proclaimed by then-Mayor Howard McConnell during the avenue's opening in 1923. The City of Saskatoon Archivist Jeff O'Brien provided a concise historical overview of the memorial avenue.
The initiative behind the project came from a committee led by Margaret Hanson and Jean Jarvis, both members of the Military Chapter of the Saskatoon Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire.
They successfully petitioned the city to designate the road, now known as Memorial Avenue, where the initial 266 trees were planted and dedicated with brass plates honouring soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.
Young expressed the significance of Woodlawn Cemetery as a custodian of this National Historic Site, containing over 1,200 trees to date. He urged all Canadians to consider this site as their own, a place of utmost reverence and remembrance.
The true essence of the ceremony, encompassing the 100th Anniversary Service, Decoration Day Service, and Dedication of the Service Pedestals, was to honour and remember the soldiers while keeping their families and friends in mind. Colonel Young emphasized the profound impact that the loss of a service member has on their loved ones, underscoring the importance of never forgetting their sacrifice.
