A touching memorial to a fallen Maritime soldier has found its way back to its adopted home in Elmsdale, N.S.
The carving was made in 2007 and was a family memorial for 25-year-old Cpl. Kevin Megeney of Stellarton, N.S., who was killed in Afghanistan.
Three years ago, his uncle in Lantz, N.S., gave the statue to the Elmsdale Legion.
Megeney's sister, Lisa Megeney, came all the way from Pictou County on Wednesday to see the statue first-hand.
“We just recently found that out that he's a big part of the community, and my parents, my sister, myself were all extremely touched that the community looks after him like he's one of their own,” said Megeney.
Last month, the statue was removed from its location for repairs, prompting concern for its future.
“One of the magazines got broke on the gun, but that's not the only thing,” said Oege Vanderkooi with the Elmsdale Legion. “It's made of wood and the feet on the statue are starting to rot.”
A local lumber company did the wooden repairs, and a welding company gave the soldier a new pair of metal boots.
He was put back in place yesterday just hours before the big day.
Dignitaries and families took their turns laying wreaths at the cenotaph. After the ceremony ended, Lisa Megeney placed her poppy on the soldier's chest.
“Back when it was originally done, it was an emotional time to see it and know what it represents, and it still is today. Only a little more to it now that Elmsdale has rallied around it,” said Megeney.
Megeney says what touches her most is the community seeing it not only as a statue of her brother, but as a representation of all those who lost their lives while serving our country overseas.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Dan MacIntosh.
