Caribou statue is reminder of veterans’ service
Miller served at a number of RCAF bases in Canada.
He said he enjoys taking part in the Remembrance Day service at the pavilion with the good friends he has made there.
“It’s important to remember those who made sacrifices for our freedom,” he said.
Eastern Health said the acquisition of the bronze caribou statue was an initiative led by the Legion Action Committee comprised of members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Eastern Health, Veterans Affairs Canada, and other military and veterans groups.
The statue is a smaller version of those seen at memorials in Europe — such as at Beaumont Hamel Memorial Park in France — and at Bowring Park in St. John’s.
“Its placement at the entrance to the Caribou Memorial Veterans Pavilion will serve as a fitting reminder of the hundreds of veterans of the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, as well as all veterans who have resided and currently reside at the pavilion,” an Eastern Health statement read.
Second World War veteran George T. Hudson, 94, who resides at the pavilion, said seeing the caribou statue sitting outside the entrance is an important symbol for veterans. Hudson fought in Europe with the 59th Newfoundland heavy artillery during the Second World War.
“Every soldier loved the caribou as a symbol,” Hudson said. “It is such an addition to the hospital and to St. John’s as a whole.”