Fredericton cenotaph cross repaired

The granite cross from the provincial cenotaph in Fredericton, which was broken into three pieces just before Remembrance Day, is whole once again.

The repaired cross will remain in city storage until a final decision is made on its future.

Police still aren't sure whether the damage was the work of vandals, or if the cross fell from the monument on its own on Nov. 9 due to structural flaws.

But the three-metre cross has been repaired for free by Jones Masonry of Harvey, N.B.

"It's a big thing to repair, and it's a hard job," said a grateful Jean-Guy Perrault, president of Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Fredericton.

'I'd like to see that cross really at the [Department of Veterans Affairs] or at the [Memorial Burial Grounds]…And do another one.' — Jean-Guy Perrault, president Branch 4

"I was talking to the guy who did it, he said that he even had to order some stuff from Germany," including adhesives and grout.

Officials are still deciding what to do with the repaired cross and the monument site, said Perrault, running his hand over the dark grey seam through the centre of the cross.

There is talk of replacing the entire monument and finding a new home for the 80-year-old cross, he said.

"I'd like to see that cross really at the [Department of Veterans Affairs] or at the [Memorial Burial Grounds]…One or the other, that would be a nice plan. And do another one."

Some people feel erecting the scarred cross would not show proper respect for veterans and would like to see a new one.

Others, such as Harold Boone, manager of trails for the city, want to see the original cross back at the cenotaph site, which is located downtown near the legislative assembly.

"I think it has some historic value, I know it has a seam that if you look close it can be seen, but in my personal preference, I think it should go back," said Boone. "To have the original cross go back would be ideal."

The cross was found smashed into pieces at the bottom of the monument on Nov. 9, while a second monument was shifted several centimetres off its base.

The apparent acts of vandalism sparked national outrage and an outpouring of support for the local legion, which received about $80,000 in donations and pledges. There was also a large, possibly record-breaking turnout for the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the cenotaph.