If you’re thinking about a war memorial, planning makes sure it’s a success

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Even today, statues still evoke high emotion. That’s because they’re iconic, and make a bold statement in the landscape about something that people hold dear. As a result, it’s understandable that a Canadian veterans memorial statue is at the center of a war of words. The proposed effigy of Mother Canada is supported by members of the Canadian government, as well as many locals who believe that it might stimulate local business. Yet others are unhappy about suggested location in Cape Breton.

The veterans memorial statue is part of a wider development that will cost many millions of Canadian dollars. The figure will point at another war memorial across the ocean in Europe, and is set to be built on a strip of land provided by a national park. The figure will be thirty feet tall.

People have written into the local paper in their droves, voicing both praise and concern about the project. As a result, there has been a belated attempt to include people in the decision making process. Of course, most of the decisions have already been made, and there is a certain amount of resentment about the way the memorial has been handled.

The lesson to be learned here is that the veterans memorial statue you intend to build will become a part of the community in which it is constructed. Generations will see it. It will also change the character of its location, and for these reasons, it may be a good idea to hold a town consultation before commissioning the project. In fact, this approach will help the project a great deal. You can get a groundswell of favorable public opinion, and with enough support, you might even pay for the project with crowd funding. It is important to get the initial process right, as in terms of the statue’s lifespan, the first year will be just a blink of the eye. The memorial will probably outlive you.

The Cape Breton project will be complete three years from now, and will sit alongside a visitors’ center as well as a plaque. It is hoped that veterans’ families will pay their respects, as well as use the local amenities.

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