New banner project in Lethbridge to honour local veterans, past and present

In April 2022, Lethbridge City Council approved the project.

Project chairperson Ray Romses explained that this year, the plan is to install 91 banners at the following locations, each of which have significant military connections:

26 banners around Lethbridge City Hall and the Cenotaph;
30 banners by the old train station, now the site of the Lethbridge Health Unit.
- Romses remarked, “every veteran, or almost every veteran leaving for World War One and World War Two, and then coming back from those wars, went through that train station.”
13 banners around the Lethbridge Legion site off of Mayor Magrath Drive S.
Four banners around the Army, Navy & Airforce Veterans Club of Lethbridge on 5 Avenue S.
18 banners in the Lethbridge Airport terminal area.
- Romses said, “that airport, then called Kenyon Field Airport, was a beehive of military activity during World War Two and that’s why it’s particularly relevant for us to put banners in that area.”

In 2023 and 2024, another 80 banners will be added for the program each year. Members of the community can get involved by sponsoring a banner.

Romses noted the cost to do so is $225, and those interested can apply online through a newly launched website for the program.

The application includes providing a high-definition photo of the veteran as well as a short write-up about the individual. An example is provided on the website. The deadline to apply to sponsor a banner this year is June 30, 2022.

The website will be available to access year-round and is a way for residents to learn more about the military history of Lethbridge and the surrounding area.

Romses said, “we want to engage our community in honouring our local veterans, both past and present, in a colorful and vibrant way as we move towards Remembrance Day.”

He is hoping that the banner project, as well as the launch of the new website, will “catch the imagination of our local citizens.”

Romses added, “this program is a way to help promote remembrance in our community and it’s also a way to help educate students and citizens on some of the faces and stories of service of our veterans.”

“We believe the program will allow members of our community to connect with the everyday people who made that extraordinary decision to serve their country … we hope this program will help ensure continued recognition and remembrance in our future generations.”

Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen believes this is a great initiative for the entire community. He said, “in the eight years of being on council and this short time as mayor, this is one of the most exciting things that we have been able to do.”

“In a time of divisiveness and through COVID, to have something so exciting to come forward and to be able to salute those that served our country, this is nothing short of amazing and I am so glad to be a part of this.”

More information is available at the project website.

by Justin Goulet

New banner project in Lethbridge to honour local veterans, past and present

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