History has a way of standing still in Placentia. While the tides at the Great Beach come and go, and the seasons shift over the hills of Jerseyside, there are anchors in this town that remain unmoved. These are the monuments—the silent sentinels that hold the stories of the past, the endurance of the people, and a legacy that carries forward.
Standing before the black granite of the cenotaph, the words “Lest We Forget” aren’t just an inscription; they are a solemn promise. For a town as old and storied as Placentia, these four historic monuments serve as more than just landmarks. They are the physical heartbeat of heritage, etched in stone so that the names and the sacrifices of those who came before are never lost to the fog of time.
This series for Spotlight on Placentia takes a closer look at these four pillars of the community. From the stories of service to the memories of the families who built this place, the goal is to explore what it means to live in a town where history is literally written in the stones beneath one’s feet.
The Sacred Heart Parish War Memorial
The Heart of Remembrance in Placentia
Standing in the shadow of the church, this marble monument is a map of Placentia’s history on the world stage. While it stands silent today, the inscriptions tell the story of the young men from this parish who never came home from the Great War.
The Sacrifice of the Parish Sons
The heart of this memorial is the long list of names carved into the stone. When you look closely, you see the true cost to the community. Recurring names like Collins, O’Brien, and O’Reilly remind us that some homes in the parish lost multiple sons.
Many of these men, like James E. Croucher and Thomas J. Delaney, were just 19 years old when they left the quiet of the coast for a world they could barely imagine.
From the Great Beach to the World
Marked by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s Caribou, the monument tracks the journey of these men across the globe, marking the battles where they stood—from the legend of Gallipoli and the heartbreak of Beaumont Hamel to the final pushes at Monchy and Cambrai. These distant places became a permanent part of Placentia’s story.
A Promise Kept
The face of the marble serves as the town’s eternal promise, erected to “Perpetuate the memory of the young men of this parish.” It is a solemn anchor that connects the 1914–1918 dates to the peace Placentia enjoys today.
Placentia’s Legacy in Stone: The Placentia Bay Veterans Cenotaph
This monument stands in solemn commemoration of the sacrifices made by the hundreds of men and women from the 156 former and current communities of Placentia Bay. It serves as a powerful connection to our shared history, honoring those who answered the call of duty from across this vast region.
Whether they served in the World Wars or subsequent conflicts, their legacy is etched here in stone. For the many families with roots in the bay—including the American veterans who served at Argentia and chose to make Placentia their permanent home—this site is a vital anchor of remembrance. Under the simple, enduring words “Lest We Forget / N’oublions Jamais,” we honor the endurance of our people and the peace they secured for us all.
The Star of the Sea Association Memorial
This monument, standing in the shadow of the Star of the Sea Hall, holds a unique place in Placentia’s “Legacy in Stone.” It was placed here by the Star of the Sea Association to perpetuate the memory of its own members who served in the Great Wars.
It represents a specific bond—one of faith and fraternity. For the families of Placentia, this stone serves as a reminder that the call to service reached into every club, every parish, and every home. By honoring the members of the Association who became soldiers and sailors, this memorial ensures that their contribution to both their community and their country is never forgotten. It stands as a testament to a brotherhood that extended from the shores of Placentia Bay to the battlefields of Europe.
The Royal Canadian Legion Memorial: Holding the Torch High
Standing directly across the road from the Star of the Sea, the Royal Canadian Legion Memorial is a powerful tribute in polished black granite. Marked by the Legion crest and the timeless words of John McCrae, this archway represents the enduring commitment of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 33 to the veterans of our community.
This site is where the history of service is made physical. It honours those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Peacekeeping Duties, and Afghanistan. The monument, along with the nearby Legion markers, serves as a permanent reminder of the “torch” passed down to us. It is a place of deep respect, ensuring that the names of our local heroes remain a living part of Placentia’s story for every generation that passes by.
Ken Winsor - Newfoundland Visuals 