The Drumheller Legion, the Drumheller Genealogy Club, and the Town are hoping to line the streets with memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war.
These groups are working together on the Salute a Veteran Remembrance Project. They are getting banners designed to hang from the town light posts honouring local veterans leading up to Remembrance Day.
Debbie Laplante, a long time Legion and Genealogy Club member, explains they are looking for sponsors to have these locally sourced banners made and displayed. According to a release, “the outcome would result in a visual reminder honouring the service and sacrifices made by our Veterans and their families.”
She explains the project originated in Harriston, Ontario and spread to about a half a dozen communities in Eastern Canada. The only other communities in Western Canada that have undertaken the project are Invermere and Swift Current.
The banners will feature an image of a veteran, their name, the conflict they served in, the branch of the military and the sponsor’s name. They measure 51X24 inches, and the town has agreed to hang the banners downtown.
They are planning to hang the banners on October 1, and take them down after Remembrance Day. Laplante says this will promote awareness of Remembrance Day, and the service of our veterans. She adds it is fitting to do the project now as next year will be the centennial of the end of World War I, and the creation of Remembrance Day and Legions are part of its legacy.
The cost to sponsors for the banners is estimated to be about $200 and applications can be picked up at the Legion and various businesses throughout Drumheller. Laplante envisions the banners to line Centre Street and Veterans Way and hopes they will have 20 this season, with an eye to increasing the count each year.
For more information contact the Legion at 403-823-5611.
