As detailed at Yorkton.ca, The Legion Banner program is an ongoing commemorative effort to recognize veterans and their service by displaying banners hung on lamp posts throughout city. This annual undertaking runs from the beginning of October to immediately after Remembrance Day.
Ken Gordon, President of the local Legion branch told Yorkton This Week in the first year of its inception the program generated close to 100 individual banners, and in 2021, the year for which the group is receiving the award, they generated an additional 80 new banners.
“We’re honoured to be receiving this award,” said Gordon. “Everyone on the committee feels happy and honoured. It’s a great recognition for the Legion.”
At the time of launching the 2021 edition of the banner project Gordon said it would not have happened without a dedicated committee doing the work.
“It takes a great committee, and I can’t thank you enough,” he said. “It’s such an honour to work on a project like this.”
It was about three years ago Tamara Hall was visiting Vancouver and saw veteran banners on lamp posts, and an idea was born locally. With a grant from the City of Yorkton, the banner project was launched with community support.
The future happenings for the banner committee looks favourable, as less than a month into 2022, the program has received upwards of 15 new applications.
“Going forward, it looks promising,” said Gordon.
The Honour Our Veterans banner project gives Yorkton citizens and visitors the opportunity to honour, respect and celebrate veterans from all walks of life and all times of service to the country.
The Legion and city welcome banners for all veterans who have a link to our community and Treaty 4 area. That may mean they lived here, worked here, or have friends or relatives here who want to recognize them.
The program is for any veterans, past or current, from any war, conflict or mission including military, medical, firefighters or RCMP.
The Yorkton Branch of the Legion has existed in the city for nearly a century. For Gordon, that makes the award even more encouraging.
“The legion has been around since 1926, so it’s great to be recognized in the community for our civic involvement,” he said.
The Legion is widely known across Canada for their involvement in the support of veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, and RCMP. Gordon feels that this type exposure can only be positive for the future of the program.
“Just to be recognized on a specific project like this is great, and the committee feels the same way,” he said.
