Despite the recent cancellation of the Community Memorial Fund by the federal government, the Sarnia 1st Hussars Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III Monument to Afghanistan is moving forward.
Spokesperson Ron Prior says elimination of the $5-million program will impact smaller communities, wanting to have their own memorial to honour those who fought in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014.
"When this program came out with $5-million, most communities across Canada thought this was a wonderful idea," says Prior.
"They were quite surprised that it was cancelled. As well, they're talking about cancelling the Afghanistan memorial in Ottawa."
Instead of destroying 250 LAV III's that were used in Afghanistan, the Department of National Defence decided they could be used as monuments to the war.
Prior says they have raised about 50% of their $50,000 goal for a memorial to be erected at Veterans Park.
It's hoped a dedication ceremony will be held in June.
Several plaques will be placed on the memorial including one honouring two soldiers from Sarnia-Lambton killed in Afghanistan.
