The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 153 Tillsonburg’s memorial gun was officially re-dedicated on Wednesday, Oct. 5 as a reminder for future generations.
“Today, we’ve gathered to dedicate this newly refurbished anti-aircraft gun, trusting that it will itself serve as a memorial of the price paid by so many in defense of our nation,” said Paul Robinson, Branch 153 padre.
“And at the same time, seeking God’s blessing upon it, that it will be a further reminder to us to hold firmly to the values that the Royal Canadian Legion holds dear.”
The 1943 40mm anti-aircraft gun was originally acquired by Branch 153 in approximately 1965, when the branch was located on Tillson Avenue.
“When the Legion moved here (to 16 Durham St.), the gun moved with them,” said Don Burton, Branch 153 poppy chairman.
“I think it’s very important to have a gun memorial,” said Burton. “It shows the commitment of the Legion to the veterans that we represent, and it also honors those that fought in the wars, and those that paid the supreme sacrifice. And it’s very visible here where it is in front of the Legion.”
Over the years, weather took its toll on the gun and eventually it needed to be refurbished.
“It took a few years to put the project together,” said Burton, “trying to line people up to help us do it, finances, and moving the gun. The hardest part was finding someone to do it… and through General Dynamics we got the gentleman who finally did it.”
It required a lot more than just paint.
“There was a lot of structural damage to it,” Burton noted. “Both seats needed to be replaced, where the gunners’ feet go, that all had to be replaced, the tires were replaced. It was all sandblasted and repainted.”
The refurbishment, which happened between 2019 and 2020 at a cost of more than $16,000 (including the cement display pad), was paid for by contributions from Branch 153 and many generous donations from the community, which are recognized on a plaque next to the gun .
The gun re-dedication ceremony was delayed by COVID-19 until 2022.
“The Legion greatly appreciates the generosity of each of these groups,” said Robinson, speaking to a small gathering from the Legion and community.
“Gracious God, we now dedicate this gun, not to glorify war, but to remind us of the huge cost that war entails and the terrible price paid by so many gallant souls,” said Robinson.
“As a memorial, may it move us to always stand for peace and to work for peace. Indeed, may it be an enduring symbol, a sign that moves us to uphold the ideals for which the Royal Canadian Legion stand. May it remind us to always honor the memory of those who offered up their very lives, and so often laid down their lives, for those ideals.”
“It’s a very important day in Tillsonburg, and for the Legion, and the Tillsonburg Military History Club,” Mayor Stephen Molnar later said inside the Legion.
“It’s the commitment to our veterans, to the men and women who are still serving in areas of conflict, or in peacetime, in areas across the world,” said Molnar. “On behalf of our council and all the residents of Tillsonburg, as that symbol stands proudly in front of Branch 153, I’d like to thank our local Legion, the Tillsonburg Military History Club, and all the sponsors. A very appreciative community says thank you.
“I think we need to build on the messaging that Pastor Paul shared today, and the continued efforts of the Legion and the Tillsonburg Military History Club – they’ve been challenged over the past two years – and I think it’s this type of thing ( dedication ceremony) should rejuvenate that kind of conversation, that observation, and most importantly recognize that we build on our past, we celebrate where we are, and we work together as a community in partnership with organizations like our local Legion and others to provide for an inclusive, community educated future.
“If you drive by it in the future, you can quietly reflect on more than an anti-aircraft gun, you can reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who protected our freedoms.”
A similar 40mm anti-aircraft gun, owned by the Town of Tillsonburg, is located at Coronation Park.