Pictures from the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument Dedication on 3 October 2026
On Saturday, 3 October 2026, we gathered for the Monument’s dedication. I have some wonderful photos of the event, below, which took place on a perfect Fall day in London, Ontario, Canada.
The ceremony included the BSVM Committee members, Canadian political leaders, current and retired members of the military, City of London political leaders, veterans, band members, education representatives, Armed Forces’ cadets, and members of the general public and local community.
The Background
I have been writing about the Monument for many months now. Articles have included the rationale, the plans, videos of the proposal, updates on construction, fundraising efforts, and more. Some of the links are:
Commemorative Coins for Sale to Support the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument
Construction Update at the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument — Crews Have Broken Ground
Honouring Our Veterans in Byron, London, Ontario: The Byron Springbank Veterans Monument
Help Build the Byron Springbank Veterans Monument in London, Ontario, Canada
The location of the Monument, and land that the City of London provided, is in Springbank Park in London, Ontario, Canada:
Here is a short video describing the Monument; credit to Everlasting Studios:
The Background
From 2014 Korean Independence day. Designer Kay Jang is at right showing the Monument model. Padre Frank Mantz is on the left, and centre is President of the Korean Society of London at that time, Younggu.
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. This new Monument is 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.
The monument will, “… honour the dedication, sacrifice, and service of all men and women who have volunteered to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces … We are committed to ensuring that the contributions of these Veterans, whether in combat or support operations, whether on Canadian soil or abroad, are remembered and respected.” (From the official website.)
The Honourable Ed Holder, former Mayor of London and Chair of the BSVM Committee, appearing at City Council in January 2024 to seek approval for the land. Seated beside him is Padre Frank Mantz, who has championed this project since 2009.
Photos from The BSVM Monument Dedication on 3 October 2026
Finally, after many years of fundraising and planning, the Monument has been completed. Below are some photos of the dedication; credit to the Royal Canadian Legion Lambeth Br. #501, The Honourable Josh Morgan, Mayor of London, Member of Parliament London West Arielle Kayabaga, and Yours Truly.
The entrance to the Monument. Note the kiosk in front. There are six of these surrounding the installation, and are for educational purposes.
The figures are stainless steel to represent members of our Armed Forces, including Peacekeepers. The corten steel figures represent those who have fallen.
It was a huge turnout with hundreds attending the dedication.
Cadets escort the VIPs, including Monument artist Kay Jang, Mayor Josh Morgan, Member of Parliament London West Arielle Kayabaga, The Honourable Ed Holder, two Directors of Education: Kevin Aukland and Vince Romeo, and Lt. General (Retired) Peter Devlin, current President of Fanshawe College.
The public gathers to view the ceremony.
Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament London West speaking to the crowd about the Monument. She highlighted our Peacekeeper efforts in her speech.
Ed Holder, thanking the committee for years of effort.
The donor appreciation sign and the BSVM Monument description in both English and French. This is located on the nearby “Monument Wall” and was manufactured by Signature Graphics.
Here is one of the flybys:
Above: video of one of the flybys; filmed by TSJ.
One of the three flybys by WWII-era Harvard trainers.
“Missing Man” formation.
Members of London’s Salvation Army Citadel Band performed “O’ Canada,” “God Save the King,” Last Post (Bugler SA Major Gary Venables).
Jim Arthur was our Piper. He was amazing.
Another view of the attendees; the Monument, Canadian flag, and Monument Wall in the background.
The Monument includes six kiosks with QR Codes that include educational information about the six theatres of conflict: the Boer War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Afghanistan, Peacekeepers.
The Monument includes six benches for people to sit, facing the art installation, and reflect on Canada’s service members’ sacrifices in the fight for freedom.
Member of Parliament London West Arielle Kayabaga with Cadets
Some Personal Photos from the Event
I hope you will indulge me in posting some personal photos from the dedication:
Member of Parliament London Centre Peter Fragiskatos and Timothy S. Johnston, Writer and Proud Byron Resident
Salvation Army band member (and great friend) Sarah Jaremko with TSJ
TSJ with long-time friend Lt. General Joe Robinson
BSVM Committee Chair The Honourable Ed Holder with TSJ (holding a BSVM commemorative coin — you can purchase one to support the Monument; the link is at the top of this article)
FJ (wife) and TSJ at the Monument Wall, and the sign that showcases our generous donors
Thank you to everyone who worked for years to fundraise, build the Monument, donate materials and money, to those who volunteered their time, and to those who helped us get the word out. The Monument is for the people of London to honour and reflect on our military’s service — past, present, and future. It honours all who serve and served, those who fell, and also those who returned to forge their lives back home in Canada. Their efforts created the foundation upon which we all stand.
Lest we forget.
— Timothy S. Johnston, 7 October 2026
Byron’s Remembrance Day ceremony will occur at the BSVM site this year on 7 November 2026. Stay tuned for more updates here at Life After Gateway. Watch this space.
