Windsor Unveils Commemorative Walkway Honoring Veterans

A new commemorative walkway honoring veterans is nearing completion outside the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 in Windsor, Ontario. This permanent display, featuring the phrases “LEST WE FORGET” and “11 11 11,” is located along Tecumseh Road and aims to serve as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the military.

Ron Marshall, the first vice president of the legion and chair of the poppy campaign, emphasized the importance of the display. “Here at the Legion, we celebrate our veterans every day, all year round. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen all across Canada,” he stated. Originally planned for a nearby crosswalk, the display was ultimately positioned outside the legion’s entrance to minimize wear and tear.

The design draws inspiration from similar tributes in British Columbia. As construction wrapped up last week, Marshall expressed deep emotion over the completion of the project. “How much effort that we put into the planning and seeing it come to fruition was overwhelming. We never thought it would happen right away, and then to get it done before this remembrance period was incredible,” he reflected.

Support from the City of Windsor played a crucial role in bringing the walkway to life. Marty Flanagan, a member of the branch’s executive committee, highlighted the contributions from city officials. Both Flanagan and Marshall credited City Councillors Gary Kaschak and Jo-Anne Gignac for their assistance in facilitating the project and providing donations. The city covered the costs of labor and materials for the sidewalk, and Flanagan noted they are still assessing the final expenses for the stencils used in the display.

“We presented the concept to the city, and the crews came out right away, completing the work in less than a week,” Flanagan explained. He conveyed the significance of the message “LEST WE FORGET,” describing it as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of veterans should not be forgotten. “Canadians do well around November 11th, but we can do better year-round, and I think this initiative will help move that along,” he added.

An official unveiling of the commemorative walkway with city officials is anticipated in the coming week. Meanwhile, the annual poppy campaign is set to launch on October 31, marking the beginning of a period dedicated to honoring those who have served in the military. This initiative aims to foster a greater awareness of veterans’ contributions throughout the year, beyond the traditional observance of Remembrance Day.