The City of Moose Jaw could soon honour the hundreds of soldiers, sailors and airmen from the community who fought — and died — in war through a project featuring banners hanging from streetlights.
The city’s heritage advisory committee has been working on a Remembrance Day banner project for nearly a year, and during its recent meeting, it announced that the initiative would soon become a reality, according to its recent minutes.
The committee plans to use the services of the Memorial Banner Program based in Hanover, Ont., which will help create and print the banners. Residents will then have the chance to purchase a banner with a picture and a short description of the veteran, family member or friend.
Committee members have decided that the cost will be $350 per banner to cover all related expenses, including the product, shipping and installation. Up to 40 banners could be hanged on Main Street, while Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 has offered to help by sponsoring the memorial banners on High Street, where it and the ANAVETS Club are located.
Another update about the project will be brought to the next heritage advisory committee.
Coun. Crystal Froese, who sits on the committee as the city council rep, presented the minutes during the Dec. 12 regular meeting. She noted that the committee hopes to have all the details ironed out by March so residents can apply for a banner.
“I am excited about the Remembrance Day project,” said Coun. Heather Eby. “My little hometown of Radville has had this for a couple of years and it looks absolutely amazing down there.”
When asked whether the banners would be up all year or just around Remembrance Day, city administration replied that it would only be for a short period. That is why the installation and removal expenses are included in the overall cost.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
