A Byron Springbank Veterans Monument Update: The Polish Combatants’ Donation Ceremony
Today at my blog, Life After Gateway, an update about the Veterans Monument in London, Ontario, Canada.
At the Byron-Springbank Royal Canadian Legion Branch #533 in London, Ontario on 7 February 2026, the Polish Combatants’ Association Branch 2, London (located on 80 Ann Street), donated $5,000 to the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument (BSVM) construction fund. See the below photo. Crews are expected to break ground this Spring for the Monument’s grand unveiling in Fall 2026 .
Donation Ceremony with $5,000 cheque
From L to R in photo: Dan Doroshenko, fundraising committee member; Barbara Slabon; John Ferenc, past President of Polish Combatants’ Association; Andrea Roussy, President, Branch #533, Royal Canadian Legion; Jamie Hughes, Executive Member Royal Canadian Legion District A; Ed Lidzbarski, President Polish Combatants’ Association; Mary Ferenc, Stan Skrzeszewski, Damian Markiewicz
The Byron Springbank Veterans Monument committee would like to thank the Polish Combatants’ Association Branch 2, London for their generous donation.
More information about the Monument is below, including a video description and links to a donation page should you wish to support this initiative in London, Ontario, Canada. Donations over $20.00 will receive a charitable tax receipt. There is also a link to the official BSVM website where you can learn more.
The committee would like to express our extreme gratitude to all who are donating; stay tuned to this page for more news and updates about the BSVM and fundraising efforts as it comes in.
The Byron Legion in Spring
The BSVM
I previously posted about this initiative here and here and here and here.
I am working with a committee in London, Ontario, Canada to raise funds to build a monument dedicated to honouring our military’s history and current and past peacekeeper activities. Our plan is to begin construction on the monument this Spring for a grand unveiling in Fall of 2026. The purpose is to “Remember, Reflect, Preserve.”
Everlasting Studios, based in London, has created an informational video, showcasing the monument and its planned location. The City of London has already donated the land, and fundraising efforts are well underway. There are donation links further down the page.
More Info:
From the official website:
“The Byron Springbank Veterans Monument will stand as a symbol of the human side of conflict. It not only commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but it also honours those who came home, started families and businesses, and created the building blocks upon which Canada was built. It will be a place where people can gather to learn about our history and honour the lives of those who served.
These stories must not be forgotten.
The Byron Springbank Veterans Monument appeals to us and calls on all of us to Remember, Reflect and Preserve the memories and legacies of those who built our nation.”
Artist Rendering
Here is a link to the official website.
Here is a CTV news article, including video, about the monument and ongoing plans to help raise funds for it: “A new monument to the fallen takes shape in London.”
In Byron, yearly Remembrance Day ceremonies take place in front of the Byron Royal Canadian Legion Branch. The events shut down Commissioners Road, which is a traffic hub in the area. The new monument will be in the adjacent park, with the hope that it will increase the size of the ceremony and help to bring new understanding to our military’s history and current and past peacekeeper activities.
Remembrance Day Ceremony in front of the Byron Royal Canadian Legion. Photo Credit: Official BSVM Website
How to Donate
You can make a one-time or a monthly donation through the London Community Foundation’s donation portal. On the giving page, click the “Fund” dropdown list and select “Byron Springbank Veterans Monument” to make a secure donation. You can choose the amount. Charitable tax receipts for any amount of $20.00 or more will be issued to you.
Here is a direct link to the Byron Monument donation page: LINK
Remember, Reflect, Preserve
Thank you to everyone who is working to create the monument, donating materials, volunteering their time, donating funds to support, and in helping to get the word out.
Lest we forget.
— Timothy S. Johnston, 24 February 2026
Stay tuned for more information about the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument, construction and fundraising updates, how to donate, and more at Life After Gateway. Watch this space.
