Remembrance sidewalk honours Canada’s heroes unveiled

A painted sidewalk on Wyandotte Street East was unveiled in front of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 Friday. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor)

A commemorative painted sidewalk on Wyandotte Street East was unveiled in front of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 Friday morning.

Stretching 70 feet with the words “Lest we forget” and soldier images at each end, the project was made possible through partnerships with the city, local businesses and ward councillors.

The veterans banner project will also return to Wyandotte Street. Now in its fourth year, about 40 banners will be hoisted highlighting the names and stories of local service members.

Marty Flanagan is a veteran member of the Legion Branch 255 and organizer of the ceremony unveiling. Flanagan is appreciative of the community support for the project but stresses the importance of remembrance.

“A misconception is that the legion sells poppies,” said Flanagan.

“They don’t. The legion distributes poppies, and we take donations. The moneys that are donated through the poppy fund, they go right back to veterans and veteran comforts. They don’t go anywhere else. So, it’s important for us - if you want to remember a veteran or think of a veteran, to donate to the poppy campaign. But more importantly - wear a poppy.”

In addition, the city will honour Canada’s fallen heroes with its annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

The service will take place Tuesday, November 11 starting at 10:50 a.m. at the City Hall cenotaph, featuring local veterans, students and community leaders.

City hall and parts of downtown Windsor will be lit in red and white, and special displays will honour veterans throughout November.

Museum Windsor will offer free admission and new exhibits celebrating Indigenous and local veterans’ contributions.