'Really unique' memorial honours Souris veterans

In 1943, Charlie Gillis's brother was killed in action during the Second World War.

Now, when he wants to reflect on the sacrifice his brother made, he has a new place to go.

The Souris Legion in P.E.I. has built a monument on Main Street to honour thousands of people from the area who served their country over the last 300 years.

"This is a worthwhile project," Gillis said. "A lot of people in this area will relate to it, because everybody's connected in here somewhere."

1,800 names

Engraved in the 28 stone panels are 1,800 names of veterans and RCMP officers from the Souris area, with room to add more names in the future.

Some of the names date back to the 1700s.

"It's that history that we have to keep alive, and remember those people who gave their lives for us, so we can do what we do today," said Souris Legion president David Perry.   

It was a project 10 years in the making, Perry said. The legion raised about $100,000, and got a grant from Veteran's Affairs.

A bench at the entrance offers a place to reflect. QR codes for smartphones will be added to the site to give more detailed information about the veterans.

"It's an honour to be standing here in front of this monument because it's a long time coming," Perry said.

The town hopes the memorial will attract visitors not just around Remembrance Day, but year-round.

"In the summer, I think you'll see there will be a huge interest, there will be people from everywhere to come and see this," said Souris deputy mayor Dennis Thibodeau.

"This is really unique — it's probably one of a kind, certainly for P.E.I."

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