Memorial set in stone

By St. Marys Journal Argus

The St. Marys Memorial Hospital was opened on November 2, 1950. It was so named to commemorate the sacrifices of many area residents during World War II. This facility continues to honour their memory through service to the community.

These words are etched into a stone which now sits on the front lawn of the town's hospital, there as a reminder of the significance of the facility's name. A short ceremony commemorating the memorial stone, which was commissioned by the St. Marys Memorial Hospital Foundation, was held last Wednesday - Remembrance Day.

The stone was created by Jeff LeBlanc of Lasting Impressions Stoneworks.

While the cenotaph next to town hall stands as a monument to those who fought during the First World War, museum curator Mary Smith explained that after the Second World War the town decided to honour its newest heroes with a memorial project that would benefit everyone for generations.

"And so 60 years ago when the cornerstone was laid for this community hospital, the name chosen unanimously was St. Marys Memorial Hospital," she added.

In an earlier interview, Bryan Bettger, chair of the hospital foundation,  noted as the years have past some residents had become concerned the meaning of the hospital's name was being forgotten. He added the foundation agreed and began to look into what could be done.

"The stone will be a reminder of what the hospital stands for," he said.

Alice Lloyd, who attended the ceremony with her brother Garry Graham, was one of the residents who began to press to ensure the meaning of the hospital's name was properly remembered. Lloyd, whose father Hugh Graham was killed in Italy in December of 1944, said afterwards the sacrifices made by those who fought during the war should never be forgotten.

"I figured something should go up for them. A lot of kids grew up without fathers," she added.

Mayor Jamie Hahn added the stone reaffirms our memories of the World War II veterans whom the hospital commemorates.

"The inscription emphasizes our commitment to their memories." he said.