May 8, 2019
Province Creates Military Memorial Conservation Fund
– – –Manitoba Honours May 8 Victory in Europe (VE) Day: Pallister
The province is investing $2 million for the creation of an endowment fund to ensure military memorials can be preserved and maintained for future generations, Premier Brian Pallister and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.
“Today, on the 74th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, we are reminded of the immense contribution and sacrifice made by so many Canadians in defence of freedom and democracy,” Pallister said. “The creation of the Military Memorial Conservation Fund will enable us to honour our commitment to remember those Manitobans who gave so much so that we could be free.”
The Military Memorial Conservation Fund (MMCF) has been established with an initial investment of $2 million. This fund will be managed by The Winnipeg Foundation (TWF) and through the fund, the province will offer annual grants toward war memorial preservation projects, statues, plaques and other tributes throughout Manitoba. The MMCF also aims to encourage private donations, which will make it easier for organizations, communities and veterans’ groups to ensure Manitoba’s military memorials are properly preserved for future generations. The fund is expected to generate about $100,000 per year, which can be used to provide grants for restoration projects, the premier noted.
It is estimated there are more than 200 military memorials of varying types across the province, ranging from 20 to 100 years old. Many of the memorials require repair and maintenance, the premier added.
“These tributes were meant to be a lasting legacy of the heroism of Manitobans and the horrors of war, and they need to be preserved and maintained so future generations remember the significant message they send,” said Cox. “Even in times of peace, it is important to remember the price of war and that is what military memorials do for us. Our government is proud to acknowledge the anniversary of VE Day and show our respect to those who served by ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
The fund is designed to be as inclusive as possible, the minister said, adding that definitions of what qualifies include a physical structure whose sole purpose is military commemoration, as well as other memorials such as cenotaphs, sculptures, plaques and cairns. Moveable objects such as scrolls, books and banners may also be eligible.
“It’s very important to remember those who have sacrificed so much for future generations,” said Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation. “The Winnipeg Foundation is pleased to partner with the province in creating this new endowment for the preservation of cenotaphs and military memorials.”
More details on the program, eligibility requirements and how to apply will be made available later this year.
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