October 9, 2018

The Town of Conception Bay South is partnering with community organizations on a significant project to honour Sgt. Thomas Ricketts, a Newfoundland soldier and the youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross in the Commonwealth.

On land once owned by Sgt. Ricketts, now entrusted to the Kiwanis Club of Kelligrews, a memorial park is being developed at 925 Conception Bay Highway to recognize the soldier’s achievements. An event is being planned at the site to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sgt. Ricketts receiving the Victoria Cross, which will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 14. A bronze plaque commemorating the anniversary will be unveiled, and the ceremony will feature an honour guard, the Royal Newfoundland Regimental Band, and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Mounted Unit.

“The Town has been a proud partner of this project since its inception in 2014, contributing both financial and in-kind support. On October 14, we will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sgt. Ricketts receiving the Victoria Cross, while also remembering the 119 brave, young men who served in the Great War, who were from the communities that now comprise Conception Bay South,” says Mayor Terry French.

With completion expected in 2019, the site will eventually host a memorial garden featuring a monument of Sgt. Ricketts, VC, as a young soldier in uniform, a series of interpretative panels, and a small amphitheatre. The park will help communicate the principles of democracy and peace, and serve to remind the public that freedom often comes at a tremendous cost.
The Town is pleased to partner with the Kiwanis Club of Kelligrews, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council, the Kelligrews Ecological Enhancement Program, as well as other community groups on this project.