A group of Canadian historians have warned against any attempt to ‘reinvigorate myths of militarism and monarchism’ during Canada’s First World War Centenary commemorations.
Writing in the ChronicleHerald newspaper in Halifax, four professors join criticism of plans for the construction of a giant statue of Mother Canada on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island.
The historians, from Mount Saint Vincent University, say it projects an image of a country without complexity: “As much as the First World War instilled a heightened sense of national unity in the hearts of some Canadians, it brought a terrible sense of discord and division for others.”
Read the full article in the ChronicleHerald.
Mother Canada, arms outstretched towards the Atlantic, will be the centrepiece of a new memorial site due to open in 2017, the centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.
Backers of the privately-funded initiative say it will inspire all Canadians and non-Canadians alike. Full details of the project can be found on the Never Forgotten National Memorial website.