Just days after a local WWI monument toppled along Highway 1, a Surrey politician is considering a replacement.
The Douglas Fir was named ‘Charlie’s Tree’, after Charlie Perkins. In 1919, the WWI pilot planted some ivy around the tree and dedicated it as a memorial to friends who died during the war.
It was maintained by the local legion for decades, but it is believed a car hit the tree on the weekend, causing it to come crashing down.
“It was a part of history,” said Roy Knott, who used to take care of the memorial site. “And part of Charlie’s life and the family’s life. It’s very sad.”
Now, Surrey MP Ken Hardie says he is considering making a proposal to Heritage Canada for a new permanent landmark. Any further plans have not been revealed at this time.
The tree was estimated to be about 300 years old.
WATCH: A sad ending for the memorial tree that’s well known to hundreds of Lower Mainland drivers. Charlie’s Tree, named after Charlie Perkins who fought in WWI, came crashing down on Highway 1. Julia Foy reports.