Pillar of Love

Pillar of Love located in Hermitage Park was created as a memorial to the tornado that devastated Edmonton on July 31, 1987, killing 27 people. 

According to the artist, Barbara Eichner-Shaw: ​“The intention of this memorial is to acknowledge the unselfish contributions of the many workers and volunteers involved in the rescue and rebuilding process. Also, it is to pay tribute to those who suffered, and despite heavy odds, rebuilt their lives. I was overwhelmed by what happened that immediately after the event I felt to create the sculpture ​“Pillar of Love”. It portrays people linked together one supporting, the other in an unbroken circle that protects unity and strength. Standing at the base on this structure one could compare it to a thick trunked tree, unmovable and steadfast against the winds of time. It stands as a witness of battles and trials of mankind enduring for generations.”