Altona's war memorial was re-dedicated Sunday evening against the warm backdrop of a harvest sunset.

Local veteran and relocation committee member, Perry Batchelor, explained the timing of the sunset ceremony was symbolic for many reasons.

"The Last Post is generally sounded. Most people reflect on that at funerals and of course, on Remembrance Day," noted Batchelor, who also referenced The Act of Remembrance during the ceremony, which includes the line 'At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them'.

It was also an opportunity, noted Batchelor, to showcase the monument in low-light. 

Selestine Braun Liu-Asomua, great grand-daughter of local veteran Art Braun, recites In Flanders Fields

The re-dedication finalized the cenotaph's move from its long-held downtown location in Altona, where it stood since 1995, to a spot near the community's art gallery, park and other recreation facilities at the north end.

"I give Council credit for not simply dismantling the cenotaph and putting it into storage," said Batchelor. "I truly believe that the site the committee came up with...is a better site with more visibility."

Surrounding the monument is a small landscaped park complete with benches, which Batchelor noted serves as a great spot for reflection. Warm lighting has also been installed on the neighbouring flag poles and on the cenotaph.

For Batchelor and his family, the memorial carries great personal significance. Batchelor's grandfather was a First World War veteran. His father, Don, along with some of his uncles, were Second World War veterans. Batchelor and his brothers, Peter and Paul, also served in peace-keeping operations and other NATO commitments through the Canadian Army after the Second World War.

He reflected on how the cenotaph, which served as the host site for many Decoration Day ceremonies, came to be in Altona.

"It's important that we continue to remember...and give our gratitude to those that sacrificed all, and continue to sacrifice through different operations throughout the world, so that we can have our freedoms," added Batchelor. "And I know a lot of people talk about not having our freedoms right now. We're still in a very very good country. We still have a lot of freedoms. We're going to get through this pandemic and we're going to continue along those paths, but again, it's important to recognize those that gave all."