Wait for Me, Daddy
A touching bronze sculpture in Hyack Square, commemorating the iconic WWII 'Wait for Me, Daddy' photograph.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Wait for Me, Daddy
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A touching bronze sculpture in Hyack Square, commemorating the iconic WWII 'Wait for Me, Daddy' photograph.
"This sculpture is a beautiful and moving tribute to family and sacrifice during wartime."
📸 Capture the Emotion
Take time to appreciate the sculpture's detail and the story it tells. Great for thoughtful photos.
🚶♀️ Explore Hyack Square
The plaza is beautifully maintained. Enjoy a stroll and the surrounding atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Wait for Me, Daddy' Sculpture
Hyack Square, New Westminster
A touching bronze and stainless steel sculpture depicting a boy reaching for his father marching to war.
Hyack Square Plaza
New Westminster
A beautifully renovated open plaza, perfect for reflection and appreciating public art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Iconic Photo
Sculpture Location & Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Emotion
Take time to appreciate the sculpture's detail and the story it tells. Great for thoughtful photos.
🚶♀️ Explore Hyack Square
The plaza is beautifully maintained. Enjoy a stroll and the surrounding atmosphere.
🛍️ Near River Market
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby River Market for food and shopping.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Emotion
Take time to appreciate the sculpture's detail and the story it tells. Great for thoughtful photos.
🚶♀️ Explore Hyack Square
The plaza is beautifully maintained. Enjoy a stroll and the surrounding atmosphere.
🛍️ Near River Market
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby River Market for food and shopping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the 'Wait for Me, Daddy' sculpture for its emotional impact and artistic merit. Many appreciate its historical significance and the thoughtful renovation of Hyack Square. Some note that it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
"Claude P. Dettloff, a photographer for the Province newspaper unexpectedly caught the moment that would become an iconic war photo. Little Warren chasing after his father, a private in the Duke of Connaught's Rifles, after breaking the clutch of his mother's hand would become a photo recognized around the world.
The bronze and stainless steel sculpture was created by Spanish artist Veronica De Nogales and Canadian Edwin Timothy Dam. Unveiled in 2014.
Hyack Square was renovated in 2009 to celebrate the city's 150th anniversary."
Patrick S Callan
""Wait for Me, Daddy" is the iconic photo taken by Claude P. Dettloff on October 1, 1940. It depicts Warren "Whitey" Bernard and his parents Bernice and Jack Bernard as the family was about to be separated by war. You'll see the mother's outstretched hand and the boy's hair as he reached out to his father who was marching off to war. While that particular regiment had 122 officers and men killed during the war, Whitey's dad survived and came home in October 1945.
The City of New Westminster commissioned the bronze statue and it is placed at the bottom of 8th Street in Hyack Square. It was unveiled on October 4, 2014."
Bruce InCharlotte
"Beautiful open plaza and impressive sculpture! It's located at the bottom of the pedestrian bridge that connects to the River Market."
Toby Lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculpture is located in Hyack Square, New Westminster, BC. It's easily accessible by public transit, including buses and the SkyTrain (New Westminster station is a short walk away). Driving and parking are also options in the downtown area.
Yes, there are several public parking lots and street parking options available in downtown New Westminster, close to Hyack Square.
Absolutely! The New Westminster SkyTrain station is a convenient starting point. It's a pleasant walk downhill towards the waterfront and River Market, where the sculpture is located.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the 'Wait for Me, Daddy' sculpture and Hyack Square are public spaces and are free to visit.
Hyack Square is an open public plaza, so it is accessible at all hours. The surrounding businesses and River Market will have their own operating hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the details of the bronze sculpture. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
Experiment with different angles to capture the emotion. Getting down low can emphasize the boy's perspective, while a wider shot shows the context of the plaza.
Yes, personal photography is welcome. It's a popular spot for capturing meaningful moments.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The sculpture is based on the iconic 1940 photograph by Claude P. Dettloff, depicting a young boy running to his father who is marching off to war. It symbolizes separation and sacrifice during WWII.
The bronze and stainless steel sculpture was created by Spanish artist Veronica De Nogales and Canadian Edwin Timothy Dam.
The sculpture is located at the bottom of 8th Street in Hyack Square, near the River Market. You can explore the market, walk along the waterfront, or visit other nearby attractions in downtown New Westminster.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along a printed copy of the original photograph to show children before or after your visit. This can help them connect the sculpture to the real event. The open space of Hyack Square also allows children some room to move around, making the experience more comfortable for them.
📸 Photographers
The surrounding plaza, with its clean lines and open space, provides a good canvas for framing your shots. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for softer light and fewer crowds, though daytime offers clear visibility of the sculpture's details. Experiment with different perspectives to convey the story. Shooting from a lower angle can emphasize the boy's viewpoint, while a higher vantage point might capture the scale of the father's march. The sculpture's placement near the waterfront and River Market also offers diverse background options, from urban architecture to natural elements.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Sculpture
The sculpture itself, unveiled in 2014, is a collaboration between Spanish artist Veronica De Nogales and Canadian artist Edwin Timothy Dam. Crafted from bronze and stainless steel, it faithfully recreates the emotional intensity of the original photograph. Visitors often find themselves moved by the depiction of the boy's earnest reach and the father's determined stride, a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime. The placement in Hyack Square, a renovated public space, adds to its contemplative atmosphere.
Understanding the historical context enhances the experience. Jack Bernard, the father in the photo, survived the war and returned home in October 1945, a detail that adds a layer of hope to the otherwise somber imagery. The sculpture serves not only as a memorial to those who served but also as a testament to the enduring bonds of family, even in the face of global conflict.
Experiencing Hyack Square
The square's strategic location at the bottom of 8th Street, near the pedestrian bridge leading to the River Market, makes it a natural focal point. This proximity allows for easy integration of a visit to the sculpture with other local activities. Whether you're enjoying a meal at the River Market or simply taking a stroll along the waterfront, Hyack Square provides a serene backdrop. The thoughtful landscaping and public art contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Many visitors comment on the emotional impact of the square, particularly when contemplating the 'Wait for Me, Daddy' sculpture. It's a place that encourages reflection on themes of family, sacrifice, and history. The combination of historical significance, public art, and a well-maintained urban space makes Hyack Square a worthwhile destination for anyone visiting New Westminster.
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