The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
May 19, 2009
CENOTAPH PARK IS NOT A CEMETARY
We do a lot of positive promotion in our office on behalf of the Town of Princeton. So much at times that I've considered billing the Town for services rendered.
One of the projects we've been keenly focussed on is the enhancements to the Cenotaph Park, or the Princeton Town Square.
The way some residents have reacted to the project makes me think they think it's some sort of sacred ground that should never be touched, unless, of course, you happen to be the guy picked that week to mow the lawn and weedwhack the site.
I mean no disrespect whatsoever as I am the son of a veteran, so I think I have a fairly good understanding of what a Cenotaph should be. In my mind it should be a monument where we publicly display our thanks to those who fought for our freedom. It should be a place where we can respect that but also a place where we should be allowed to celebrate that freedom.
A Cenotaph is not a cemetery and maybe we need to be reminded of that.
The monument is symbolic and the park surrounding it should be a place to share our freedom with one another.
The monument should be our reminder that it is because of those people it represents and honours that we are able to watch a musical presentation, enjoy a picnic lunch or whatever in it's watchful shadow.
We have explained to far too many residents what they see downtown today is not what they will see downtown in a few months. There's a drawing in the window of the former Goldion Restaurant showing what the Town Square is going to look like when completed.
Take the time to investigate what the project is all about.
If you want more details, the men working on the site can also explain what is going on. It's probably best to ask the volunteer site forman Dave Woodruff to show you what is really going on rather than beaking off about the mess, the noise, the dust or whatever.
Considering it is technically a construction site, I'm pretty impressed with the fact that we hardly notice they are working on the project unless we walk by the site. Our office is four doors away from it and we haven't experienced any problems - except for people complaining to us about what they seem to believe is what's really going on at Cenotaph Park.
Yes, Veterans Avenue is closed - but it's temporary.
Yes, the Cenotaph itself will have some work done to it (it's foundation needs repair, among other things) but these repairs will ensure the monument will stand proudly in Cenotaph Park long after you and I are gone.
Yes, traffic flow is different, but that's part of the enhancement and who wants to remember the slingshot that used to be there?
I know I can hardly wait to see the project when completed as I expect to go there and be soothed by the sound of the water fountain, watch musicians play in the gazebo or on the grass and enjoy the freedom to do just that.
And the last thing I'll be doing is pointing fingers or complaining of a minor inconvenience that paved the way for a beautiful spot in the centre of our town, complete with a symbolic monument to remind me why it's there.
