Windsor commemorative walkway honouring veterans nearly complete

A commemorative sidewalk, that will remain outside of a Windsor legion, is finished, just in time for Remembrance Day.

A new commemorative display, paying homage to those who served, is nearly complete outside Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 in Windsor.

The permanent red and white display along Wyandotte Street features “LEST WE FORGET” and “11 11 11.”

Ron Marshall, first vice president of the branch and the chair of the poppy campaign, said the work is meant to be a daily reminder for residents.

“Here at the Legion, we celebrate our veterans every day, all year round. Unfortunately, doesn’t happen all across Canada, year-round,” Marshall said.

After originally planning to create the display at a nearby crosswalk, they decided to instead place it outside the legion’s front door, where it won’t face as much wear and tear.

A key portion of the design originated from similar work in British Columbia. A small portion of work outside the front doors is left to be completed.

When the bulk of the work was finished last week, Marshall said he was brought to “tears” by the result.

“How much effort that we put into the planning and seeing it come to fruition, it was like we never thought it was going to happen right away, and then to get it done before this remembrance period,” Marshall said.

Marshall and Marty Flanagan, a member of the branch’s executive committee, noted the city played a significant part in facilitating the commemorative walkway.

Both credited Windsor City Councillors Gary Kaschak and Jo-Anne Gignac for helping coordinate with the city and making donations to the project.

The City of Windsor covered the cost of labour and paint to do the sidewalk. Flanagan noted they are still working to determine the final cost of the stencils and whether more funds will be necessary.

“We went to the city with the concept, and then it was pushed through, and the crews came out right away and banged it out in less than a week,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan said the messaging, “LEST WE FORGET”, is “powerful” because it is a reminder that veterans who fought and died will not be forgotten.

“Canadians do well around November 11th. We can do better year-round, and I think doing this is going to help move that along,” Flanagan added.

They’re hoping to have an official unveiling with city officials this week. Meantime, the annual poppy campaign kicks off on Oct. 31.