New stones have been added to the Ontario Provincial Police’s Pathway of Memories at the force's headquarters on Memorial Avenue in Orillia.
The 80 new memory stones were showcased this week in a dedication ceremony.
“Memory stones that form the Pathway of Memories have been donated and dedicated to current and former OPP members, teams, volunteers, their families, as well as organizations that have contributed to the OPP's history in some way,” said the OPP in a news release.
“Each stone has a personalized inscription that pays tribute to its recipient(s) before being laid into the path on the front lawn of GHQ.”
The first inscribed Pathway of Memory stones were unveiled on April 20, 2017.
A dedication ceremony now takes place each fall, allowing donors, recipients, their families, colleagues, partners and friends to gather, view and collectively celebrate the new stones.
"With 557 memory stones now gracing the Pathway of Memories, the unique recipients and the stories of recognition behind each stone makes this a truly remarkable hallmark of our organization.” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique in a news release.
The funds raised from the donated stones go to the OPP Youth Foundation, a volunteer organization that provides Ontario youth with positive life experiences they would otherwise not have, such as bursaries and youth camps.
"The Pathway of Memories reflects a deep sense of pride and appreciation on the part of – and for – the OPP family,” added said Sandy Poredos, the youth foundation’s executive director.
“The stones are a lasting legacy of our past, our present and the future. Just as important are the funds raised for youth in communities throughout the province.”
The Pathway of Memory can be found on the terrace of the front lawn at OPP headquarters on Memorial Avenue in Orillia.
