On the 74th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Manitoba has established an endowment fund to ensure military memorials can be preserved and maintained for future generations.
The Military Memorial Conservation Fund (MMCF) was given an initial investment by the government of $2 million and will be managed by the Winnipeg Foundation.
“The creation of the Military Memorial Conservation Fund will enable us to honour our commitment to remember those Manitobans who gave so much so that we could be free,” said Premier Brian Pallister.
The fund will be used to offer annual grants for war memorial preservation projects, statues, plaques and other tributes throughout Manitoba.
It is estimated that more than 200 military memorials are in the province with many of them requiring repair and maintenance.
“Even in times of peace, it is important to remember the price of war and that is what military memorials do for us. Our government is proud to acknowledge the anniversary of VE Day and show our respect to those who served by ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox.
The MMCF is also hoping to encourage private donations to assist with the preservation efforts.
