Legion officials were grinning ear-to-ear when they saw how the major upgrades to the Community Cenotaph Park were being enjoyed during the Canada Day breakfast being held just steps away. It's exactly what they aimed to accomplish; a park to be embraced by the community.

Legionnaire David Usherwood discussing the Cenotaph Park with local MLA Cam Westhead during the Canada Day breakfast.

People stopped to enjoy their breakfast on the newly planted grass and visit with friends. The awe-inspiring towering bronze of the First World War soldier was admired by many while parents took time to explain to their children its significance. Legion officials, particularly David Usherwood, 1st vice-president and cenotaph park chair, and Sgt.-at-Arms Steve Merritt stopped to visit with those in the park and posed for the occasional photograph.

Yet, it's not quite mission accomplished. To complete the entire original vision, the cenotaph committee is about $40,000 short and continues to pursue funding to add those finishing touches that include benches, garbage cans and interpretive signing.

Committee chair Usherwood says they have been working through a grant application for part of the funding with Veteran Affairs. Even if that is successful, they continue to seek further local donations to complete the project.

Sgt.-at-Arms Merritt enjoyed talking to people in the park during the breakfast celebration and seeing how the park was being utilized.

"We've made it more of an open atmosphere so people can enjoy it as a regular park, not just a sacred place where people only celebrate Remembrance one day of the year"

"We couldn't ask for anything more than that. It's great to see the community has taken it to heart. I've heard so many people complimenting it ever since it was built and even today where people are enjoying themselves in an open park, where they can hear everything and they see everything going on. I think it's a great addition for Cochrane and the greater community of Cochrane."