New crosswalk joins Cenotaph as a way to honour our veterans

By Lethbridge Herald on November 8, 2025.

Nathan Neudorf
Lethbridge East MLA

Each November, as the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, the people of Lethbridge pause to remember. We gather in solemn reflection to honour the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who served our country in times of war and peace. This year, a meaningful tribute is taking shape in the heart of our city — one that blends tradition with a renewed commitment to remembrance.

On Oct. 28, the City of Lethbridge installed a commemorative crosswalk at the intersection of 4 Avenue South and 10 Street South, near the historic Cenotaph by City Hall. Designed in collaboration with the Lethbridge Legion, the crosswalk features a silhouette of a mourning soldier inspired by the Cenotaph statue, alongside the words “LEST WE FORGET,” “NOUS NOUS SOUVIENDRONS,” and “IHTAISSKSINI’PA” — a Blackfoot phrase interpreted by Elder Martin Heavy Head to mean “So that we know.” 

This new crosswalk joins the annual display of veteran banners throughout the city, part of the “Salute Our Veterans” project. From City Hall to the old train station, from high schools to Mountain View Cemetery, these banners feature the faces and names of local heroes who served in the World Wars and beyond. 

Their stories are preserved online, ensuring that future generations can learn, reflect, and remember. 

The Cenotaph itself, unveiled in 1931, stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance. Originally dedicated to 157 men from Lethbridge who fell in the First World War, it was later expanded to include names from the Second World War and the Korean War. The statue atop the memorial — a Canadian soldier in full marching order — was modeled after Charles Parke, a local veteran whose likeness was meant to represent all who served. 

As we wear our poppies and attend ceremonies, let us remember that these acts are more than tradition — they are a promise. A promise to honour those who gave everything, to support those who serve today, and to teach our children the value of peace, freedom, and sacrifice.

To all veterans and their families: thank you. Your courage lives on in the heart of our city.