Sherbrooke, nestled in the picturesque Eastern Townships of Quebec, is home to a monument that stands as a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers. The Sherbrooke War Memorial, also known as the Monument aux Braves-de-Sherbrooke, is not just a cenotaph; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that honors its past while looking towards the future.
The story of the Sherbrooke War Memorial begins in the aftermath of World War I. On May 21, 1923, a dedicated committee of citizens proposed the creation of a memorial to honor the soldiers of Sherbrooke who had fought and fallen during the Great War. The city council approved a generous budget of $25,000 for its conception, and a competition was launched to find the perfect artist for this noble task.
The winning design came from George William Hill, one of the most prominent sculptors in Quebec during the early 20th century. Hill's vision was brought to life with the help of bronze castings from Belgium and granite sourced from Stanstead, a town renowned for its granite industry. The result was a stunning piece of art that would become an emblematic landmark of Sherbrooke.
The monument features an allegorical figure of Victory, an angel with wings outstretched, soaring above three Canadian soldiers entrenched in the battlefield. This powerful imagery captures the essence of courage, sacrifice, and hope. The bronze figures, meticulously crafted, convey a sense of realism and emotion that resonates with all who gaze upon them.
At the base of the sculpture, a bronze plaque bears the names of 248 soldiers from Sherbrooke who perished in World War I. The bilingual epitaph reads: Devant ses fils tombés ou survivants qui se sont illustrés au champ d'honneur Sherbrooke s'incline/1914-1918/To the men and women of Sherbrooke who fought and fell for their country and their god. This heartfelt inscription ensures that the memory of these brave souls will endure for generations to come.
Scavenger hunts in Sherbrooke
Discover Sherbrooke with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Sherbrooke with your team!
The monument was officially unveiled on November 7, 1926, eight years after the end of World War I. The ceremony was a momentous occasion, attended by over 20,000 people, including family members of the fallen soldiers, local dignitaries, and citizens from all walks of life. The mayor of Sherbrooke at the time, James Keith Edwards, had the honor of revealing the statue to the public.
Newspaper accounts from the day describe the crowd as being moved to silence by the beauty and intensity of the moment when the white sheet covering the statue was removed. Spectators climbed trees, rooftops, balconies, and even the steeple of St. Patrick's Church to get a better view of the historic event.
In 1948, a second plaque was added to the monument to commemorate the soldiers from Sherbrooke who fought and died in World War II. The inscription on this plaque reads: Leur souvenir vivra éternellement, meaning Their memory will live forever. This addition ensured that the monument would continue to serve as a place of remembrance for all of Sherbrooke's fallen heroes.
Interestingly, the name of Eugene Tremblay was accidentally omitted from the first plaque, while Raymond Duperron's name appeared on the second plaque due to a case of identity theft, even though he did not die in the war.
Over the years, the Sherbrooke War Memorial has undergone restoration to preserve its grandeur. In the summer of 2009, the statue was meticulously restored by the Centre de conservation du Québec at a cost of $60,300, funded jointly by the federal government's Cenotaph and Monument Restoration Program and the City of Sherbrooke. The monument's value was estimated at $900,000 in 2009.
On November 9, 2017, the monument was officially classified as a heritage property by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications, further cementing its status as a cherished historical landmark. The following year, on March 26, 2018, the name Monument aux Braves-de-Sherbrooke was adopted as its official toponym by the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
Today, the Sherbrooke War Memorial stands proudly on King Street West, inviting visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by the soldiers of Sherbrooke. The monument is not only a place of remembrance but also a symbol of the community's resilience and unity. As you stand before the angel of Victory and the soldiers in the trenches, you can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for those who gave their lives for freedom and peace.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a local resident, or a visitor to Sherbrooke, a visit to the Sherbrooke War Memorial is a poignant and moving experience that will leave a lasting impression. It is a place where the past is honored, and the spirit of bravery and sacrifice is celebrated, reminding us all of the true cost of freedom.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.