Remembrance banner program in Oshawa now honours 114 veterans
Published November 5, 2024 at 11:51 am
When nine banners were displayed in Oshawa’s downtown in 2017, Legion members in the city knew it was the start of something much bigger.
With 14 more banners just installed, the program – a partnership between the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 and Oshawa Power – has grown to honour 114 veterans, as well as the Unknown Soldier ahead of the November 11 Remembrance Day parade and ceremony in Oshawa.
“Originally planned to line the Remembrance Day Parade route, our program has received so much community support that banners have begun to line King St. as well. We are thrilled by the success of this program,” said Branch 43 Sgt. At Arms and Banner Coordinator Stu Jarvis, who added that the program “would not have been possible” without the assistance of Oshawa Power’s team in installing the banners.
“Moving forwards, we’d like to challenge our local businesses, sports teams, and community organizations to consider honouring a past employee or important member that served our country and help expand this program even further.”
The Royal Canadian Legion has honoured Oshawa Power for its participation and support of the banner program with the prestigious Friendship Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations who show their support of the activities and work in the community of Legion Branches, Zones, Districts, and Provincial Commands.
“We are incredibly honoured to be one of the first organizations to receive this recognition from The Royal Canadian Legion, but for us this program goes much deeper than awards or acknowledgements. Our organization values the contributions and sacrifices made by each and every veteran,” said Oshawa Power CEO Daniel Arbour.
“The individuals recognized by these banners are heroes in our community and we are proud to play a small part in helping them receive the recognition that they have earned,” he added. “We offer our sincere gratitude to the brave individuals who fought for our freedoms and for the great nation of Canada. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
To find out how you can honour a veteran through this program, visit Oshawa Power’s Community page at www.oshawapower.ca/community.
