Not only was the Cenotaph "unvailed", according to the plaque affixed to the cenotaph, but it was "unvailed" on "November 05 1923", a date with which we might take exception if we are to believe
War Monuments in Canada or
Veterans Affairs Canada. Both insist that the cenotaph was dedicated on September 26th, 1929, nearly six years after the "unvailing", though, admittedly, they may have gotten their information from the same source. Seldom does dedication of a monument take place this long after its "unvailing".
First unveiled November 5th, 1923, the cenotaph was dedicated on September 26th, 1929 in memory of the men of Truro who fought and died in "The Great War". The cenotaph included, on black granite panels, the names of the men who never returned from the war. Later, after World War II, then the Korean War, as well as the Afghanistan conflict, memorials to those who lost their lives in those wars were engraved in the granite of the monument. As well as the names of those killed, the names of the battles in which the men of Truro fought were engraved in the cenotaph.
A very large and attractive monument, it consists of a large square centre stele with black granite plaques on the four sides, World War I memorials. Each corner of the stele has a round column with an Ionic capital and simple base, supporting an overhanging roof, atop which on a double stepped base stands the figure of a World War I soldier. The soldier, in full battle gear, stands with his hands crossed over the butt of his upright rifle, the barrel end on the ground.
The cenotaph stands on a broad one foot tall granite base, itself atop another, broader, stone base. Four wide sidewalks and stairs lead to the elevated cenotaph from four directions.
The Truro Cenotaph was dedicated on September 26th, 1929 in memory of the men who during The Great War (1914-1918) nobly upheld the honor of the Empire in France and Flanders. In the 1970s the names of the men who died in the Second World War and Korea were added to the cenotaph.
The cost of the monument in 1929 was $10,000. The upkeep of the Cenotaph is provided by a legion member.
From War Monuments in Canada