Deadline approaching for WW100 commemoration funding

By Nora Daly | Aug. 19, 2014

The First World War changed the world forever. It transformed the way war was fought, upended cultures and home life, and stimulated innovations that affect us today.

In communities large and small around the globe, commemoration activities have begun, recognizing the beginning of what would come to be known as the Great War. One of Newfoundland and Labrador’s earliest commemorations was the founding of Memorial University College in 1925. Our legacy includes the responsibility to remember and commemorate those who served and died. To that end, supports and funding are in place to assist students, faculty and staff with their own commemoration activities.

As announced last year, Memorial is undertaking WWI commemorative activities in three broad areas: academic programs; physical commemorations; and library, archives and other resources. A commemoration fund has been established to empower the university community to create engaging projects and events over a five-year commemoration period.

The fund consists of three streams. And while proposals for general projects of less than $2,500 can be submitted for approval at any time, the other two funding streams – for flagships proposals of more than $2,500 and proposals from external partners – have a set deadline. For the fall semester, that deadline is Sept. 15.

“The Living Memorial Commemoration Fund is designed to empower the university community to commemorate in different ways, while maintaining our fundamental values of integrity, collegiality and responsibility to place,” said Dr. Luke Ashworth, chair of the WW100 steering committee. “I encourage all interested individuals or groups to visit the WW100 commemorations web site, apply to the commemoration fund and participate in one of the most important commemorative periods of our generation.”

The web site, www.mun.ca/WW100 includes detailed information on how to apply for funding. There is a searchable ideas bank which contains dozens of suggested projects collected during the two-year consultation process. And an anniversary calendar pinpoints significant dates throughout the war that could be used in numerous ways – as stand-alone remembrance or to bring a commemorative element to an event, for example.

“Memorial’s distinct origin means we have a responsibility to remember and commemorate those who served and died. This fund will allow more of us to do just that, in profound, meaningful, and we hope, lasting ways,” said Dr. Ashworth.


Contact

Marketing & Communications

230 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, NL, CANADA, A1B 3X9

Postal Address: P.O. Box 4200, St. John's, NL, CANADA, A1C 5S7

Tel: (709) 864-8000