Community Application Name:
Smiths Falls, Ontario
Location :
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95, 150 Elmsley Street
Community Website :
Unveiling Date:
September 16, 2018
National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials # :
Community Description:
The Town of Smiths Falls was derived from the original owner of the land, Lieutenant Thomas Smyth, and the once-magnificent falls that were diverted to create the Rideau Canal and the three lock stations. The opening of the canal in 1832 is seen as a milestone for the area since it allowed for economic growth and helped to attract CP Rail in 1884. Today the Town has a population of approximately 8,500 people and is a prominent tourist area.
The town has three separate Cenotaphs to honour the 127 local veterans who gave their lives in either WW I, WW II or Korea. To continue the Town’s appreciation for military service and sacrifice the local Legion Branch rallied community support to incorporate a new LAV III Monument next to the WW II Cenotaph in recognition of the local veterans from Afghanistan. During the unveiling ceremony, Mayor Shawn Pankow declared the day, Sept. 16, as Afghanistan Veterans Appreciation Day in Smiths Falls.
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