WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Construction of the monument dedicated to 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron will come to a standstill once the cement, which will be dyed black, is poured for the top cap of the base.
“Concrete needs 28 days to cure,” said Del Lippert, an honourary colonel with the squadron, which is based out of Garrison Petawawa.
It was this past April that Col. Lippert spoke to council about the monument being erected at Cobden Memorial Park near the base of the large flag pole. Following a few months of discussions, an agreement was signed, and last week, work began at the site.
The bronze lion statue is in Petawawa and the granite walls, which came from India, are being engraved by Campbell’s Monuments, he said.
Engraving on the granite walls will be the names of squadron members who have died in the line of service and the various aircrafts, Col. Lippert said.
Ottawa Brass will be engraving three bronze signs for the monument, he said. The history of the squadron will be on two of them – one in English, the other in French. The third sign will be for those who made donations towards the monument, except for those who wish to remain anonymous.
It’s expected that by late September and early October, the monument will be completed.
The official unveiling of the monument is scheduled for Oct. 15.
Right: Brody Hudy-Farrell of Stebro Construction of Renfrew packs down the gravel and dirt around the base of the monument.
