Community Application Name:
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #183
Location :
Marathon’s Veterans Square
Community Website :
Unveiling Date:
November 11, 2017
National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials # :
Community Description:
The Town of Marathon has a population of 3,300 and is located on the north shore of Lake Superior. Its motto is “built on paper and laced with gold” which was coined during the decades when its economy was fueled by pulp and gold mines. One of the most notable tourist attraction is Pebble Beach which showcases 2 km of panoramic stoney beach scenery, shaped by Mother Nature.
The community’s military ties began during WW II when many men enlisted with the CAF and many women worked in supply factories while others supported the operation of two prisoner-of-war camps, located nearby.
More of the town’s youth became engaged with the military, in 1989, when the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 183 funded the creation of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 900. In addition to these inspiring Cadets, Marathon is also very proud of its 13 native veterans who served during the Afghanistan conflict. The highest ranking amongst this group were Major General Omer Lavoie, CWO Lewis Lavoie CWO Michael Hamilton, and MWO Richard Cooper. In addition, two civilians served as tradesmen at Kandahar Air Field.
As a tribute to these locals, the Legion Branch 183 worked passionately with Town Hall to create a highly visible Veterans Square to display a LAV III Monument to help strengthen the community’s connection with these modern-day veterans. The new monument will become a part of all future Remembrance Day Services and will be engaged as a teaching tool for Cadets and future generations about the cost of freedom.
Photos:
