Memorial Unveiled

Saturday, April 28, 2007 11:32 AM

The plaque that stands near the newly unveiled memorial to those who have been injured or killed on the job.

About 150 people took part in the ceremony this morning to unveil the memorial to those who went to work in the morning, and came home injured, or never came home at all.

Three years in the making, the memorial depicts a twisted metal frame, representing the dangers faced in the workplace, and the rising bird of hope into the healing light of the sun. Symbols of hope and rejuvenation.

The artist, Bert deVink of Quesnel, told the crowd he was especially proud and honoured to have created this piece "We all have known someone who has been either injured or killed on the job" he said.

(at right, the sculpture is unveiled )

Last year, 160 people in B.C. were killed on the job. Among them 9 people aged 15 - 25. Those who addressed the crowd said it was especially painful that young people were dying on the job , a situation they say can only be the result of a lack of training.

Arlette Santos told the crowd about her neice Lindsay who died August 21st , 2003 at a sawmill in Prince George. "Never should the lives of people come secondary to profit" she told the crowd. She expressed gratitude that regardless of where a death may have happened, the monument ( at the corner of Queensway and Patricia Boulevard in Prince George ) is a place where people , friends and family can go to pay tribute.

At left, flags are lowered to half mast, and participants bow their heads for a moment of silence to remember those who have been injured or died on the job.