Fredericton rallies around vandalized cenotaph

There was a large turnout at all Remembrance Day ceremonies across New Brunswick but at the provincial cenotaph in Fredericton, Legion officials believe a record was set.

An overflowing crowd surrounded Fredericton's cenotaph, with some people standing six people deep as they remembered those Canadian soldiers who served in wars and peacekeeping missions.

Royal Canadian Legion officials say the large crowd was due in part to reports of the vandalism that damaged the monument last weekend.

A three-metre-high granite cross atop the monument was toppled and smashed.

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said he expected a strong showing at Wednesday's ceremony considering the overwhelming response that the city has received in the days after the cenotaph was vandalized.

"I am not surprised that this will be the largest turnout that we have ever seen," Woodside said.

Jean-Guy Perrault, the president of Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion, said the large turnout was "amazing."

"I was really upset. I didn't sleep for two days," he said. "But today, what the people of Fredericton did, it's amazing, it's amazing.

"They showed their support and I thank them again."

Fredericton Police are investigating the vandalism.

TD Bank Financial offers donation

CBC News has learned that TD Bank Financial Group will put $25,000 into restoring the provincial war memorial. Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna is the chairman of the financial institution.

Fredericton Conservative MP Keith Ashfield deplored the vandalism, but he said something positive came from it.

"I think it has strengthened the resolve of people," he said.

"Judging from the outpouring of response to that incident — both monetarily and a lot of people have commented on it straight across the country — I think it has strengthened the resolve of all Canadians."

Ashfield said Ottawa will contribute money to the fund to repair the granite cross.

"There is an opportunity to enhance our memorial here," Ashfield said.

"I think we have an obligation to ensure that people understand and remember the sacrifice that people have given for our country. I believe with the money both from the federal government and monies coming in from a lot of different organizations we can enhance this very spot."

Perrault said members of the Legion will meet Thursday to start plans to restore the cenotaph.

"It will be more secure. … Because they cannot destroy that again," he said. "As long as I live, I don't want that it to happen. Never, never."