SHUBENACADIE: A retired naval officer is asking East Hants councillors to take another look at their decision to move the Shubenacadie cenotaph back to its original Highway 2 location.
In a letter to council sent to The Laker News on Sept. 26, Lt. (N) Ret. Dawn Henneberry of Shubenacadie said she believes the monument should remain where it currently sits at the Legion, and she is calling for a community-wide vote before any further move happens.
“We all have recognized a mistake was made; however, we want to move forward from the mistake and give a second chance to correct it,” Henneberry wrote.
She said many residents were not consulted about moving the cenotaph back, and some now feel the Legion is “a great spot” for it.
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She also pointed out that the monument is more visible there and easier to maintain than its previous site, which is surrounded by trees and lacks volunteers to keep the property tidy.
Another key concern raised in the letter is that the Indigenous community was not consulted when the original decision was made.
“Due to the Indigenous community not having their voice heard, there should be a re-consideration to have a more encompassing vote,” she said.
Henneberry also noted that the cenotaph’s presence near the school can help educate students about Canada’s military history, and that it is a monument, not a gravesite.
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She and other residents have started a petition asking for a formal vote of the community.
“Whatever the end result of the vote is, we all know that no one was left out,” she wrote.
“Everyone should have the ability to vote on the second move.”
Council had previously voted to return the cenotaph to its former Highway 2 location hopefully in time for Remembrance Day.