Sherbrooke War Memorial classified as cultural treasure
Sherbrooke’s Monument des Braves on King Hill, a landmark of the city’s urban landscape has been classified under the Cultural Heritage Act.
Sherbrooke MNA Luc Fortin, used the Remembrance Day ceremony to make the announcement, which follows the issuance of the first notice signed by Minister of Culture and Communication Marie Montpetit.
The monument dates back to 1923, when a committee of citizens asked for the construction of a monument to honour the memory of Sherbrookers who fought in the First World War. Three years later, the work, designed by artist George William Hill, was inaugurated in front of a crowd of some 20,000 people. Hill is one of the most important Quebec and Canadian sculptors of the early twentieth century and is renowned for his production of war memorials. The monument is now adorned with two plaques recalling the names of soldiers from the city who died during both world wars.
"Almost a year ago, I announced my intention to classify the Monument des Braves,” Fortin said. “It is with great pleasure that I represent my colleague Marie Montpetit today to formalize this significant gesture in the presence of so many veterans. In addition to honoring the memory of these courageous people, this imposing work in the heart of Sherbrooke has become, over the years, an emblem of the city. This monument is a great source of pride for the community.”