Richmond Cenotaph

About the Monument

The Richmond Cenotaph was erected in 1922 to honour those who had fallen in the First World War by a Memorial Committee and the local branch of the Great War Veterans’ Association. It was later adopted as a monument for both the Second World War and the Korean War. There are currently 78 soldiers memorialized on the Richmond Cenotaph.

To be included on the Cenotaph, individuals must have:

• Lived in Richmond, British Columbia at one time in their life;
• Enlisted in the Canadian Army, Navy, or Air Force at the time of the First or Second World War or the Korean War; and
• Lost their lives through the hazards of service and/or by violent means while in the execution of their duties.

The monument is in the shape of a Celtic cross, symbolizing an eternal connection between the Richmond community and our war veterans. It is the physical heart and soul of the yearly ceremonial which commemorates Remembrance Day on November 11. The Cenotaph has always been located near Richmond’s City Hall, providing the opportunity for all citizens to come together at a prominent civic site for ceremonies of remembrance.

The monument is one of the City’s designated heritage places. For more information about the features of the Cenotaph and its historical importance, please see the monument’s Statement of Significance.

About the Soldiers

Over the years, community historians, in particular the Friends of the Richmond Archives, have conducted extensive research into the soldiers inscribed on the Cenotaph. This research is shared with the aim of giving community members the opportunity to learn more about the soldiers and understand the sacrifices they and their comrades made. To learn more about the soldiers, please visit the virtual exhibit We Will Remember Them: The Lives Behind the Richmond Cenotaph.