Goldring recognizes “The Price of Peace”

OTTAWA - Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament for Edmonton East, paid tribute in the House of Commons today to an Ottawa sculptor who has captured the horrors of war in a monument on display in Ortona, Italy.

Robert Surette created the monument as part of the “Christmas in Ortona” project that in 1998 saw Canadian Second World War veterans recreate their 1943 battlefield Christmas dinner, this time sharing the meal with their former enemies.

“In Ortona’s Plebescito Plaza, is a poignant memorial of two soldiers - one lying dead, one bent over in grief - created by Ottawa artist Robert Surette,” Mr. Goldring said.

“Entitled ‘The Price of Peace’ it speaks of the supreme toll in the ‘Stalingrad of Italy’ - the battle for Ortona - and for all who have faced their soul in the finality of the theatre of war. Flowers are laid daily by citizens who know too well the price paid by Canada for their peace.”

With Remembrance Day approaching Mr. Goldring felt it was appropriate to make the statement, to remind Canadians that peace does not come without a price tag.

“We ought never to forget those that serve, those who truly pay the price of peace,” he said.

A scale model of “The Price of Peace” monument, from the private collection of Peter Goldring, was displayed in the lobby of the House of Commons.

The full text of Mr. Goldrings’s statement is below:

“THE PRICE OF PEACE”

Mr. Speaker,

We pause today to reflect on the price of peace.

Since Confederation two million have served in uniform, 115,000 have paid with their lives. Hundreds of thousands have suffered lifelong grievous injuries to self and soul.

In Ortona’s Plebescito Plaza, is a poignant memorial of two soldiers - one lying dead, one bent over in grief - created by Ottawa artist Robert Surette.

Entitled “The Price of Peace” it speaks of the supreme toll in the “Stalingrad of Italy” - the battle for Ortona - and for all who have faced their soul in the finality of the theatre of war. Flowers are laid daily by citizens who know too well the price paid by Canada for their peace.

Fourteen hundred sons of Canada rest in nearby Moro River War Cemetery, never to return home.

The price of peace is paid in war.

We ought never to forget those that serve, those who truly pay the price of peace.