In March 2025, approximately a dozen bronze First World War memorial plaques, known as “death pennies,” were reported missing from Edmonton Cemetery, a historic site in Edmonton, Alberta. These plaques, which honor local soldiers who died during the conflict, were originally sent to families as a tribute since many soldiers’ remains remained overseas. Edmonton police are investigating the theft, suspecting the plaques were sold online, and have appealed to the public for information. While seven plaques have been recovered and plans are underway to restore them, authorities continue searching for the remainder to preserve this important element of the city’s war heritage.
The Significance of the Missing Memorial Plaques
The stolen bronze plaques, commonly referred to as “death pennies,” hold profound historical and emotional value. Distributed by the Canadian government after the First World War, these plaques were sent to the next of kin of Canadian service members who lost their lives in the conflict. Given that many soldiers were buried overseas, these plaques served as a tangible symbol of remembrance and recognition for families and communities back home.
At Edmonton Cemetery, a site that preserves local heritage, the plaques were mounted on a memorial dedicated to honouring Edmonton’s fallen soldiers. Their removal has sparked concern among historians, veterans’ groups, and community members, who emphasize the importance of protecting and maintaining such artifacts.
Details of the Theft and Police Investigation
The loss was first noticed in early March 2025 when cemetery staff discovered that approximately twelve plaques had been removed without authorization. Edmonton police promptly launched an investigation, examining the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and potential leads.
Authorities suspect that the plaques were stolen with the intent to sell them on online platforms, possibly due to the material value of the bronze and the collectible nature of the items. An appeal was made to the public to assist with any information that could help recover the missing pieces. Police have also advised online sellers to be vigilant and report any suspicious offers related to war memorabilia.
Recovery and Restoration Efforts
So far, law enforcement has successfully recovered seven of the stolen plaques. These recovered items are currently undergoing careful restoration to repair any damage and prepare them for reinstallation at the cemetery.
The City of Edmonton, working closely with veterans’ organizations and heritage preservation specialists, has committed to funding the restoration and enhancing security measures at the cemetery to prevent future incidents. Public officials have reiterated the commitment to safeguarding the city’s historical assets and memorial sites.
Ongoing Search and Community Response
The police investigation remains active as efforts continue to locate the remaining plaques. Community members and local organizations have expressed support for the recovery efforts, with some offering assistance in monitoring resale platforms and sharing information.
The theft has renewed discussions about protecting war memorials nationwide and highlighted the need for increased awareness about the significance of such artifacts beyond their material value.
Conclusion
The theft of the First World War memorial plaques from Edmonton Cemetery represents not only the loss of physical objects but also an affront to community memory and respect for those who served. Ongoing recovery and restoration efforts demonstrate a collective resolve to preserve this important aspect of Edmonton’s heritage. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information as the search for the remaining plaques continues.
The theft of the First World War memorial plaques from Edmonton Cemetery underscores the critical importance of preserving historical and commemorative artifacts that honor the sacrifices of past generations. While the recovery of seven plaques and the active restoration efforts provide hope, the search for the remaining pieces continues to be a priority for law enforcement and the community. This incident has heightened awareness about safeguarding war memorials and reinforces the need for ongoing vigilance to protect such symbols of heritage and remembrance. The collaboration between authorities, local organizations, and citizens remains vital in ensuring these memorials are preserved respectfully for future generations.
