CORNWALL, Ontario – The Lost Villages Historical Society memorialized the 40,000 Canadians who participated in the American Civil War, unveiling their highly anticipated monument this Saturday, Sept. 16.
A project which began three years ago with the Grays and Blues of Montreal and the Township of South Stormont finally came to fruition this weekend. Numerous patrons came out in celebration of an often-overlooked part of Canadian history which will be preserved in the heart of the Lost Villages.
“Over the past three years, we’ve had numerous reenactments, which wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful group of Civil War reenactors,” said Jim Brownell, President of the Lost Villages Historical Society.
Between 1861 and 1865 approximately 40,000 Canadians fought in the American Civil War. Roughly 8, 000 men were killed or wounded and 29 Canadians received the Medal of Honor; all of whom were named and honoured on the monument.
“A lot of us forget about our heritage,” said South Stormont’s Mayor Jim Bancroft. “But in preserving it, we learn more about who we are, and where we were.”
With a wine and cheese gathering following the unveiling, people had a chance to get a good look at the monument, socialize, as well as explore the museum facilities, which were open to public for the occasion.
