The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
GOING BACK TO THE CENOTAPH
EDITORIAL - November 7, 2006
If it wasn't for the Town's plans to rebuild, re-design, remodel and re-shape the Cenotaph the only time we'd think about that piece of land would be on November 11th.
That's actually a shame as it is a nice little piece of green space virtually in the centre of downtown, yet trapped at the crossroads of two main streets. Almost symbolically trapped at the crossroads of it's own future in Princeton.
Will there be an Bandshell? Will there be a stage? Will there be a water fountain? Will there be enough parking? Will it make people gather downtown? Will it still remind us of why the Cenotaph was first built?
We see the Cenotaph daily on our once-a-day trek to the downtown Community Centre (the Post Office for all you newcomers). It sits there most of the year quiet and untouched. Carefully manicured and watered, but for the most part it sits silently at the intersection of our two main streets.
It's so very much like a graveyard by description but this Saturday morning at just before 11:00 AM it will fill with people and the main streets will be closed to handle the spectators as we all pause to pay respects and reflect on how lucky we are to be able to speak freely about how we feel about having a graveyard in the centre of downtown.
We'd never suggest there is any less importance to what the Cenotaph signifies now as there has been in the past, but should we not celebrate our freedom in a place others will gather and enjoy the freedom of gathering on a sunny afternoon to watch a performance or sit near the quiet, yet soothing sounds of a water fountain?
We always viewed the proposed Cenotaph Improvement Project as an updated way to celebrate and commemorate the freedoms we have.
So when you attend the Remembrance Day services this Saturday, look around you. Enjoy the view and ask yourself if changing the Cenotaph is a good or bad idea.
Remember, this change does not mean removing or destroying what is already there. The proposed change is meant to enhance the downtown core for the enjoyment of all and we think we owe the men and women who we remember each November 11th a greater tribute than the graveyard in the centre of downtown.
