In further debate, it was said the project should strive for "something loftier than a monument in stone"[31] and not reflexively "follow precedent, to follow ancient countries."[32] Generally, the opposition was in favour of the idea, but criticised the projected costs. Mackenzie King responded: "When a nation loses what is signified by its art it loses its own spirit, and when it loses the remembrance of the sacrifices and heroism by which it has gained the liberty it enjoys, it loses all the vision that makes a people great."[3] Indeed, the Prime Minister managed to force Members of Parliament who critiqued the idea of spending money on a memorial to defend their patriotism and gratitude for those who had died or been wounded in the war.