The City of London is excited to announce that three historical memorial plaques honouring Londoners from the Hamilton Road community who served in the Canadian Armed Forces during World War One and World War Two are now on display for all to see at Hamilton Road Seniors Centre and Community Centre.
“Londoners will forever remember the sacrifices made by the women and men on these plaques, and by all Canadian Veterans in service to our country and for protecting our freedoms,” says Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan. “Most of the Londoners listed on these plaques lived just around the corner from the Hamilton Road Seniors Centre and Community Centre, making this a great central location to house these new, permanent fixtures.”
The three plaques were originally displayed at the Hyatt Avenue United Church on Hamilton Road and subsequently at the Fairmont United Church on Tweedsmuir Avenue in London before these churches closed.
After local resident Mike Lee realized there was no longer a congregation at Fairmont United Church, he reached out to Reverend Jeff Crittenden of the Metropolitan United Church, who provided him with the plaques. Mike then connected with the City to help him have the plaques displayed at Hamilton Road Seniors Centre and Community Centre to be honoured for generations to come.
“These compelling local heroes in London’s history will forever be remembered by our community,” says Mike Lee, whose father, uncle, grandfather and great uncle are listed on the plaques. “All of the men and women listed on these plaques walked the streets of the Hamilton Road community, and some never returned. These plaques will remind us of that.”
Londoners are encouraged to visit the facility to view these new fixtures, housed in the facility lobby.
Caption: Local resident Mike Lee alongside the plaques he provided to the City of London.
Caption: The gold stars and silver nameplates on the plaques represent those who sacrificed their lives serving Canada.