Holden First World War Memorial

The Holden Cenotaph is a military memorial consisting of a sculpted First World War soldier on a river rock base constructed in 1923. The base has a marble plaque on the south facade, and a bronze plaque on the east facade.

The Holden Cenotaph is located in the centre of the intersection of 50 Street (Main Street) and 50 Avenue, and is mounted on a concrete base measuring 2.5 meters square. The Holden Cenotaph is significant in the village of Holden as a landmark, as a war memorial, for its association with the Holden Royal Canadian Legion #56, and for its association with Major Frank Norbury. The location of the cenotaph in the centre of Main Street, at its junction with 50th Avenue, places it in the most prominent intersection and on the highest elevation of the community. The Cenotaph is an iconic monument that contributes to village identity. This unique location has been preserved since the unveiling of the Cenotaph and it is a continual point of reference and of interest for visitors and residents alike.

The Cenotaph is a memorial to those community members who served in the military during wartime. It was erected in 1923 to honour soldiers from the Holden area that lost their lives during World War I. The plaque on the front bears the names of those who died in the war from 1914 to 1918 and also recognizes the number of others who served. In 1952, a bronze plaque was added to the east side of the base with the names of those who died during World War II, from 1939 to 1945. The Cenotaph is associated with the Holden Royal Canadian Legion #56. The Legion originated as the Great War Veterans’ Association in 1919. It was this organization that planned and funded the Cenotaph, and also chose its location with permission from Village Council. The Ladies Auxiliary assisted with design of the front memorial plaque and with fundraising for the monument.

The Cenotaph was unveiled during a ceremonial parade, organized by the veterans, on July 4th, 1923 and was dedicated by Anglican Bishop Henry Allan Gray of Edmonton. The Cenotaph remained a part of the community, under ownership and control of the veteran’s association through various transitions to the present-day Legion. The Legion funded, designed and installed the bronze Second World War memorial plaque on the east side of the rock base, in 1952. They discussed moving the Cenotaph in 1955 and again in 1969, but the suggestion was never approved. The Holden branch of the Royal Canadian Legion marches to the Cenotaph every year on Remembrance Day meeting with local Cadets and area residents of all ages, to honour fallen veterans. This ritual fulfills the original intended purpose of the Cenotaph. The Holden Cenotaph is important for its association with Major Frank Norbury, an English-Canadian sculptor. Norbury was born in Liverpool, England in 1871. He trained and worked as a sculptor from a young age, completing many works in his native city. He served in the military during the First World War then came to Canada in 1920 and settled in Edmonton. Holden’s Cenotaph is one of two known sculptures of a soldier completed by Norbury in Alberta. Holden’s monument depicts a soldier taking cover in ruined masonry, looking east toward the enemy, preparing to throw a Mills bomb. The detail in the soldier’s attire is evidence of the sculptor’s war experience. Norbury’s artistic ability conveys a sense that the soldier is standing on guard, ready to defend. Norbury became well-known in Alberta and was active in the arts community all of his life

Inscription

[plaque/plaque]

LEST WE FORGET

IN MEMORY OF

(needs further research/recherche incomplète)

The following is a list of those of fallen whom are commemorated each November 11th:

1914-1918

1939-1945

Cecil Mumford, Gertle Baker, Anthony Braden, Peul Paulson, W’m Dain, Jack Potts, John McKlosky, Lloyd Fleming, Tudor Stolee

Ralph Chetney, James Foran, Theodore Foran, Harvey Gorrie, John Thieme, Allan Josness, Bryan Roberts, Harold Robinson, Edward Stewart

Ce mémorial, érigé par le major H.G. Norbury, est dédié aux anciens combattants de la Première Guerre mondiale originaires de la localité.

Le texte de l’inscription figure dans la section anglaise.