War monument going ahead

An Afghanistan War memorial planned for Sarnia will go ahead despite Ottawa’s decision to cut funding for community war memorials.

An Afghanistan War memorial planned for Sarnia will go ahead despite Ottawa’s decision to cut funding for community war memorials.

Half the money is already in hand and additional fundraising will cover the cost of the memorial and its ongoing upkeep, said Ron Prior, of the 1st Hussars Association.

“We’re in good shape here. It’s full steam ahead.”

In coming months, a decommissioned light armoured vehicle, known as a LAV III, is to be set on a concrete pad in Veteran’s Park.

Plaques will honour the Canadian Armed Forces, 1st Hussar troopers deployed to Afghanistan and the 159 men and women who died there between 2001 and 2014.

Two of those lost during the mission were from Sarnia-Lambton: Pte. William Cushley and Cpl. Brent Poland.

A dedication ceremony is planned for June, Prior said.