You may have noticed red banners honouring veterans lining Downtown streets.
These banners are part of a Legion initiative that commemorates those who have served/are serving in the Canadian Military. The program runs in 70+ communities across Ontario & was brought to St. Catharines thanks to local resident, Cecil Hall. Inspired by the project, Cecil created 4 banners for his own family that hung in front of City Hall in 2019. With hopes of seeing it done on a larger scale, he brought it to the Legion & in 2021 all four Royal Canadian Legion Branches in St. Catharines came together to make it happen.
The program has seen steady growth since now with 34 banners – 18 of which were added this year including former Mayor Joe McCaffrey. The banners are an opportunity to recognize our veterans & remember the sacrifices they’ve made. They have even brought families from outside Niagara to pay tribute to their loved ones.
Co-Chairs of the St. Catharines Veteran Banners Committee Richard Bucko & Mike Britton are pictured on Church Street. Hanging to their right is a banner of Richard’s Father-in-Law, Tadeusz Cichowicz. Richard, a retired warrant officer, visits throughout the community sharing the importance of why we remember.
He hopes to see every pole on every street in Downtown lined with banners. Mike says their goal is to have one for every person from St. Catharines who has served in Canada’s military.
Families & military members are encouraged to email stcveteranbanners@gmail.com to request a banner. The Legion works closely with a local printing store in Niagara who provides a special rate to help make them as accessible as possible.
We are thankful for this initiative to honour our veterans. The banners can be found on Church Street from City Hall to Ontario Street, Ontario to St. Paul Street, and to the Burgoyne Bridge.
Everyone is invited to walk the route this Saturday on Remembrance Day:
- 10am – Gather at City Hall (50 Church St.)
- 10:30am – Parade along banner route
- 10:45a, – Service at the Cenotaph (6 St. Paul St.)
- Afterward, all are invited to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 (15 George St.)
#MyDowntown