Winnipeg, MB - The new Arden Seven Commemorative Plaza in Winnipeg’s Jules Mager Park, honouring seven local war veterans from the Battle of Hong Kong, was officially opened today by the Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg, Mayor Sam Katz and George Peterson, last surviving member of the group who enlisted and fought together.
“The peace and beauty of this park are wonderful examples of the freedom our families enjoy today because of the bravery and sacrifice of Mr. Peterson and the Arden Seven,” said Minister Chief. “This interpretive plaza will help all of us remember theirdedication to our country and our community and to never forget the terrible price they paid to ensure we could have a future of opportunity.”
The park features seven chairs symbolizing the seven friends who served together, and features landscaped berms and retaining walls, pathways and commemorative plaques telling the story of the Arden Seven.
“This memorial plaza beautifully honours the sacrifices and enduring spirits of George, Morris, Fred, Bill, Harry, Alfred and Edward,” said Mayor Katz. “It is also significant because it helps to ensure that we all remember that more than 70 years ago, seven young men from Arden Avenue Winnipeg fought for the rights, freedom and democracy we all enjoy today.”
“I was proud to serve my country with my brother and friends and I know they would approve of having this beautiful park in our neighbourhood dedicated to us,” said Mr. Peterson. “I appreciated being personally involved in this project and would like to express my gratitude to all of the individuals, government representatives and St. Vital Historical Society for their support and work on developing this park.”
The Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg provided $75,000 for the interpretative plaza through the Building Communities Initiative (BCI) II. The City of Winnipeg also contributed $20,000 from the Community Park Amenities Capital Program.
This project is one of 45 BCI II, Phase Two projects announced in 2013 that are totally or partially funded through the Building Communities Initiative with a commitment of $5 million each from the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg.
The BCI II is a multi-year, cost-shared capital initiative developed jointly by the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg to support community revitalization through improvements to local community infrastructure in targeted older neighbourhoods. The funding also contributes to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city. Projects have included improving athletic fields, playgrounds and structures, splash pads, lighting, seating, pathways in parks, upgrades and expansion of community centres. Projects are selected in consultation with key stakeholders and community groups.
Background Information
- During WWII, after 17 days of intense fighting, 290 Canadians were killed and another 493 wounded during the Battle of Hong Kong. Those who survived were taken prisoner and endured nearly four years of captivity in Japanese prisoner-of-war and work camps.
- Seven young men from Arden Avenue in Winnipeg volunteered, fought and were captured during the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941.
- The men served in the Winnipeg Grenadiers during the Second World War and included Fred Abrahams (also known as Fred Harding), Bill Lancaster, twin brothers George and Morris Peterson, and brothers Alfred, Edward and Harry Shayler. All seven survived the Battle of Hong Kong.