New war monument in Mount Carmel honours region's veterans

For the first time, the town of Mount Carmel-Mitchells Brook-St. Catherine's had a monument to gather around on Remembrance Day.

The town recently purchased the new monument, which is dedicated to the more than 60 veterans from the town who served in the past 100 years—including two soldiers who were in the Blue Puttees.

"For a town this size, for the population we've had over the year since World War One, we've had a high participation rate in the services. So that's something we're proud of," said David Sorensen, mayor of Mount Carmel-Mitchells Brook-St. Catherine's.

The town is still adding to the list of veterans, and next year all the veterans' names will be added to the monument.

The town applied for government grants for the monument, but were declined. Instead, council paid for the roughly $9,000 monument itself.

"There was a ground swell of interest in the community," said Sorensen.

"We're very proud of this. This is the right thing to do at just the right time. There's a lot of excitement in the community about it."

'An honour above any honour'

The site was prepared by a crowd of local volunteers, who used picks, shovels, and wheelbarrows to get the foundation ready.

Warrant Officer Shawn Dean, with the Canadian Regiment, grew up in Mount Carmel.

After years of service, Dean said this monument means a lot to him.

"When the town comes together and does something like this to honour everybody who served and continues to serve it just means a great deal to me," said Dean.

"This is going to be my last year in uniform and to be able to do this at my home town on Remembrance Day is an honour above any honour I've received in my career."