Legion explores local history through veterans banners

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 6, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke Matthew Palmer stands in front of his grandfather's banner in front of the Cenotaph. The Lethbridge Salute Our Veterans projects are now on display around the city.

Lethbridge Salute Our Veterans projects are now on display around the city, displaying 80 banners with veterans who have served past and present.

Placed on city light poles in areas with historical military significance like City Hall, the Legion, Army, Navy and Air Force Club, the train station, and the airport. Banners will fly each year from October 1 through Remembrance Day.

“Our veterans banners for 2022 are spread across the city,” said Ray Romses, banner chair, during a press event at the Lethbridge Cenotaph on Tuesday. “These banners, you see the faces of veterans, their names, and the pubic is encouraged to visit our website http://www.lethbridgeveteransbanners.ca. On that site, if you click banners, that will bring up the names of all 80 veterans and when you click on a name that will bring up their biography. The things that they did in their life that our citizens could learn more about.”

Seeing community sponsorship from corporations in Lethbridge to put up banners, residents also got a chance to contribute by putting their family legacy up on display.

“It’s an honour,” said Matthew Palmer, whose grandfather, William Scott Palmer, is on a banner in front of the Cenotaph. “My grandfather was in the war for years. His best memory was when they sailed into Italy, the most beautiful time ever. He ended up in Belgium at the very end of the war, went up to Rome. He was an engineer, a sapper. He was in charge of carrying Bailey bridges, which they would put over the river so the artillery could come through.”

Looking to the future for next year, the Legion is looking to secure 90 banners with applications now being accepted, with a cut off date of June 30 to allow the required time for fabrication and delivery.

“There is an opportunity to sponsor a banner,” said Glenn Miller, a member of the banner committee, noting the various veterans from different conflicts such as World War I and II, the Korean War and the Boer War. “We are passing on that remembrance to the next generation.”

With Remembrance Day coming up on November 11, banners will showcase those that have served our country, honouring memory and legacy for those that have fought. “Seeing the banner up there, really brings it back, it really puts it in perspective,” said Palmer. “I think it’s a fantastic idea to honour the whole reason we are here is because of these men and women.”