The new commemorative crosswalk dedicated to veterans is now complete.
The new crosswalk, running east-west across Dalhousie St. at Murray St., was officially dedicated Friday morning. Mayor Michael Prue was joined by members of town council, administration, veterans and executive members with Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 at the ribbon cutting.
Prue also acknowledged former mayor Wayne Hurst, also a former veteran, who was also on hand for the event.
“This is a glorious day,” said Prue.
Prue recalled the meeting just one week earlier where town council voted unanimously to proceed with the commemorative crosswalk. The red and white crosswalk is adorned with silhouettes of veterans at either end with the words “Lest We Forget” at each curb.
“Everyone holds much respect for Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 and for all of the veterans who are commemorated with this crosswalk,” said Prue.
The mayor credited resident David Wharram for coming up with the idea roughly two weeks earlier.
“I thought it was a great idea, I sent it to staff and here we are today,” Prue said during Friday morning’s ceremony.
Prue said in his 35 years of government experience that few items have ever moved as quickly as the crosswalk for the Legion, with Prue also thanking staff for their work in moving the project forward.
“This town honours its veterans. This town honours those who served and those who made the supreme sacrifice,” he said. “Our veterans have given so much to uphold the freedoms we cherish, and this crosswalk is a symbol of our collective gratitude and recognition of their service. We are honoured to have the crosswalk ready for Remembrance Day, providing our community with a place to reflect and pay homage to the brave men and women who have served.”
The commemorative crosswalk is one way of honouring Canada’s veterans, he added, and Prue indicated there could be more ways coming in the future.
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie acknowledged other members of the Legion executive and other veterans and servicepeople that were present, including Allan Carroll, Ernie Gazdig, Kathy Hanes, Don Nantais, Glen Miller, Rita Jariett and Bev Knight.
“This is an honour on behalf of the Legion,” said Wilkie.
Wilkie said this time of year is not a celebration, but an acknowledgement of those who served and are serving.
“We will be able to remember them every day,” said Wilkie.
Wilkie said the town and the general public have been very supportive of the crosswalk and he was thankful for the outpouring of support.
“We’re deeply moved by this gesture from the Town of Amherstburg to honour our veterans,” stated Wilkie. “This crosswalk near our branch serves as a visible reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave service members and we are grateful for this meaningful tribute as we approach Remembrance Day.”
Nantais, a past president of the Legion and executive member, said he was “overjoyed” by the tribute. He said it is a gesture that is starting to happen in other communities and was pleased it occurred in Amherstburg.
Nantais, a Life Member of Legion Br. 157, said he hopes the crosswalk will serve as a reminder of what veterans did and what they sacrificed. He pointed out his grandfather served in World War I and he had an uncle who served in the U.S. Army.
By Ron Giofu
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