The Soldiers’ Tree memorial, a chainsaw sculpture that pays tribute to Second World War military personnel, is now in place on the Estevan Courthouse lawn, near the cenotaph.
The 7,400 lb. sculpture, created by chainsaw sculptor Darren Jones, had been created from a 100-year-old cottonwood poplar tree in the valley south of Estevan. It was moved about a month ago and placed in storage until Wednesday afternoon, when it was lifted from a flatbed truck by Skylift Services Inc. and placed on the concrete pad designed specifically for this piece of art.
Two carved wooden benches were also placed in position with all three items anchored shortly after.
A committee commissioned by the Estevan Branch 60 of the Royal Canadian Legion will be charged with the duty of ensuring the monument is maintained over the years. Committee spokesman Robert Rooks said that local fundraising efforts will ensure that the memorial will have some financial assurances for maintenance needs in the years to come.
An official dedication ceremony for this special monument is slated for Sept. 10.
More information regarding the Soldiers’ Tree will be included in the Aug 10 issue of the Estevan Mercury.
