Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 18/05) - Symbolically, it's so much more than a pile of stones and mortar.

An impressive two-metre Cenotaph, a monument built in tribute to soldiers and police, has been erected in front of the Fort Simpson RCMP detachment.

RCMP Supt. Rick Roy cuts the ribbon on Fort Simpson's new Cenotaph for Second World War veteran Allan Anderson. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

It replaces the wooden model that had been the centrepiece of Remembrance Day ceremonies for many years in the community.

A brief ceremony was held Tuesday afternoon in recognition of the volunteer work and donations that made the obelisk possible.

The Cenotaph bears a plaque with the following inscription in English, Slavey and French:

"In honour of those who served on behalf of a grateful nation."

The cairn has also been adorned with four orange semi-precious jasper stones from the North Nahanni. Those stones represent the four RCMP officers who were killed in Mayerthorpe, Alta., earlier this year.

"I thought it was very nice," military veteran Allan Anderson said of the new Cenotaph.

Ted Grant, owner of Simpson Air, which along with Wolverine Air, the Village of Fort Simpson and Ken Brown, donated the money to purchased the plaque, said that as a former RCMP officer he wanted to contribute to the project.

"It's important that people understand that RCMP members and Armed Forces members are doing these things on behalf of the country, not on behalf of themselves," said Grant.

The RCMP's summer students started the groundwork while Rowe's Construction pitched in with materials. Norm Prevost and his crew did the masonry work.

"It's just a good thing," Prevost responded when asked why he felt compelled to help.Anderson was also bestowed with an RCMP vest, ball cap and keepsake photo. Kevin Menicoche, Nahendeh MLA, did some research and found an authentic Air Force beret in Calgary to replace the one Anderson lost overseas. The veteran was proud to put it on as it once again completed his uniform.

"That was a great surprise," said Anderson.

"It must have taken some doing."