A special way of honouring veterans that started in New Brunswick a few years ago is catching on and growing in popularity across the country.
It involves placing banners with veterans’ photos around the community, and now one Nova Scotia town is embracing the idea.
“It’s important that everyone remembers, not only Christopher, but all the fallen from all the conflicts of the world,” says Angela Reid, whose son, Cpl. Christopher Reid, was killed in action in Afghanistan in August 2006.
The Town of Truro is installing banners in honour of 12 hometown heroes who served in the First and Second World Wars, as well as Korea and Afghanistan, near the cenotaph. The banners include photographs and a brief description of service.
“It’s a brilliant idea. I know I first heard about it originally when it was up in New Brunswick, and then when Cathy mentioned it, that she was going to do that here, I thought it was a brilliant idea,” says Greg Webb, who owns Colchester Printing, where the banners are being made.
In 2013, more than 20 veteran banners were placed around St. George, N.B. – the first community in Canada to do so. Since then, communities across Canada have been taking on the project.
Crews in Truro started installing their banners Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s also the route that Legion members and others parade during the Remembrance Day ceremony, so that’s, it’s really fitting that it be right here,” says Cathy von Kintzel of Truro Parks Recreation and Culture.
“I think it’s wonderful. I think it’s beautiful and it looks great,” says Reid.
While there are only 12 banners in Truro this year, von Kintzel expects that number will at least double next year.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh
