Ontario War Memorials: West Hamilton

Sunday, 25 June 2023

West Hamilton

Location: City of Hamilton N 43.25384 W -79.92131

Beside St. George's Church, 134 Emerson Street.

The following description of this memorial is taken from the historical sign located at the site, posted by the City of Hamilton in 2013. The memorial was erected in 1925, before West Hamilton was absorbed into the City of Hamilton in 1930.

WEST HAMILTON CENOTAPH

Every year on November 11th, the West Hamilton community

holds a Service of Remembrance at this cenotaph.

The Village of West Hamilton began in 1908. It had its own

stores, a bank, a post office and numerous athletic and social

organizations. World War I (1914-1918) had a significant effect

on the young village. From a community of about 250 families,

over 180 men served in the armed forces. Following the war, a

Memorial Committee of veterans and delegates from churches,

the Women's Institute, and social clubs raised funds to provide

a memorial for the young men killed in the conflict.

This fine granite cenotaph was unveiled in 1925 in a sunken

garden alongside St. Margaret's Anglican Church, which later

became St. George's. It depicts a cross with the title of the poem

"In Flanders Fields" along with poppies as a symbol of

remembrance.

The young men of West Hamilton who gave their lives in World War II (1939-1945) were honoured at "West Hamilton's 80th Birthday Reunion." A memorial stone inscribed with their names was added to the cenotaph and officially dedicated on June 12, 1988 by Reverend Canon Eric Mills of St. Margaret's Church. Representatives of local militia units participated along with the public.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of West Hamilton in 2008, the community created a Memorial Garden including benches for quiet reflection.

West Hamilton Heritage Trail

City of Hamilton

2013