Because it sure looks that way
A gentle snowfall greeted the dozens who turned up in the Garden of the Provinces and Territories on the morning of December 12, 2024, for the unveiling of Ottawa’s latest monument.
There was scant media presence, perhaps a consequence of the official advisory having gone out just two days earlier. The federal heritage minister, Pascale St-Onge, wasn’t present. A spokesperson later said she was on parental leave. Her replacement, Liberal MP Yvan Baker, was also missing, though no excuse was given. Officially called the “Memorial to the Victims of Communism—Canada, a Land of Refuge,” the monument attracted the active involvement of many prominent Liberals and Conservatives over the last seventeen years, including prime ministers past and present. But no politicians spoke at the dedication.
Addressing the crowd was Ludwik Klimkowski, chair of the charitable group Tribute to Liberty, which led the initial fundraising efforts for the monument. Behind him was the object he had spent years helping to bring to life: two long walls of curving metal frames supporting over 4,000 bronze rods tightly arrayed on 365 slender posts. Each rod is angled to match the sun’s changing position for every hour of every day, with a break in the middle for the winter solstice—the longest night of the year and turning point in the calendar. Representing rebirth, the sculpture paid tribute to Canada’s role in helping victims of communism find freedom and a fresh start.
But one crucial element was missing: the victims. The names meant to be inscribed on the monument’s Wall of Remembrance were conspicuously absent. As Klimkowski delivered his prepared remarks, he concluded by expressing hope that those present would return in 2025 to share in the stories of the individuals who had been intended for commemoration.
As he did so, a lone voice called out: “No Nazis.” (more...)
Did Canada Really Just Build a $7.5 Million Monument That Honours Nazis?
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