EDAM — A project that began in 2020 has finally reached completion and was officially unveiled by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 106 in Edam on Aug. 19. The Edam Legion was joined by numerous community members, family members of veterans and a Saskatchewan Command dignitary.
The dedication began with branch president Judy Carignan sharing some history of the Edam legion, which was chartered on June 1, 1927, as Branch No. 106 of the Canadian Legion British Empire Service League (B.E.S.L.). Today, the branch has 24 members, including veteran Jack Milnthorpe, from Edam and surrounding communities.
In 2020, the branch began looking at ways to clean the original cenotaph, where they found many of the stones were loose. Upon further inspection, the branch discovered that the monument needed to be repaired and set out to see how to accomplish the feat.
“In 2021, it was determined that the necessary repairs were extensive enough to consider a replacement instead, so we started looking into what that might look like and the costs involved,” said Carignan at the ceremony.
As the branch began the process of replacing the cenotaph, news broke that the land the cenotaph was on was owned by CN Rail. Unable to make any progress with communications with CN, the project was put on hold in 2023. When the branch revisited the project in the spring of 2025, members learned the land once owned by CN was now under the ownership of the Village of Edam.
“This turn of events opened up the opportunity to consider a more central location for the cenotaph. Working with the Village, the location was chosen to create an attractive space to allow for quiet reflection and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” added Carignan.
While information on the construction of the original cenotaph is unknown, the monument was first mentioned in historical accounts prior to Aug. 19, 1934.
“How appropriate, and totally coincidental, that we are holding the dedication ceremony for our new cenotaph on Aug. 19,” said Carignan.
As construction began on the new cenotaph, pieces of the original were incorporated to preserve history. Carignan shared one of the original cenotaph’s unexpected secrets.
“A handwritten note had been placed behind the brass plaque that was later installed to include those lost in the Second World War and the Korean War. The paper survived all those years and is very fragile.” Although it is unknown who authored the note, it recognizes the individuals and organizations that contributed to the cost and installation of the plaque, as well as an Honour Roll. The note was carefully preserved and was placed back behind the brass plaque, which now sits on the base of the new cenotaph.
The space surrounding the cenotaph offers three granite benches, each with the names of veterans from the area: Sam Cole, Clarence MacGregor and Charles McCaffrey. A cross and stones from the original cenotaph were incorporated into the space, along with flower-filled planters.
To officially dedicate the monument, Carignan was joined by Saskatchewan Command past vice president Patti Paul, to hold a ribbon, while comrade Milnthorpe cut the ribbon. Milnthorpe served in the reserve guard based in North Battleford for many years. He was a member of the North Battleford legion for many years before moving to Edam in 2020.
“My grandfather was from Edam, a First World War veteran. He was one of ones that founded the old cenotaph. If he ever seen this new cenotaph, he’d be amazed,” said Milnthorpe. As he shared his grandfather’s story, Milnthorpe wanted to share a reminder to everyone.
“Just be there for us all the time. When we come with a poppy or whatever, be there for us. That’s all I ask.”
The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2026, and has waived the fees for joining. If you are interested in joining the legion, contact a branch near you or contact Saskatchewan Command at info@sasklegion.ca.
