By: Evan Mathias, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Municipality of Lakeshore is launching several initiatives looking to honour local veterans, past and present.
The Municipality has reached out to Royal Canadian Legion Branch #399 with the hopes of a joint effort to name streets in future developments after the names of veterans affiliated with the R.C.L. Branch.
“I posted a notice on our Branch bulletin boards and website. At this point, I have been contacted by seventeen families. So far this has involved approximately two hundred hours of effort, interviewing Veteran family members, in preparing a historical and graphical prospectus for each Veteran,” said Gil Bastian, member chairman and 3rd VP, R.C.L. Branch #399. “Town Council subsequently approved the program. It was my intention to have the poppy image displayed on the actual street sign next to each Veteran’s name, but in order for that to be done, permission must be granted by Legion Command, who controls all matters concerning the poppy trademark. Negotiations are currently in progress with Legion Command.”
The initiative hopes to honour local veterans year-round, more than just during time of Remembrance in November.
“Lakeshore and Belle River have a rich history of families that have had family members, who not only fought in defense of this country, but some that lost their lives in World War 1,
World War 2 and Korea,” said Bastian. “It is a commendable effort on the part of Mayor Bailey, municipal council and our local Legion Branch #399, to honour those families in this way. Lest We Forget.”
At the moment, there are no set timelines or completion dates for the future town developments.
Commemorative Crosswalk in Belle River
Along with the naming of streets in future developments after local Veterans, Bastian submitted a proposal to council to paint a memorial crosswalk across Centre Street.
“That crosswalk will be on the east side of East Belle River Road, adjacent to our Cenotaph. It will be painted with red and white stripes and a shadow effigy of a soldier on guard at each end,” explained Bastian. “That is the only one approved so far for Lakeshore. This type of memorial crosswalk is also being undertaken in some other towns like in Amherstburg.”
Veteran Banner Program
“I am currently working on a ‘Veteran Banner Program’, which was approved by our Branch
Executive and general membership, to compose and oversee the fabrication and display of banners illustrating images and information regarding war theatre, of our Branch Veterans who served and defended our country,” said Bastian. “These banners will initially be displayed during the Remembrance Day period, on our legion outdoor premises, with the possibility of being shown on the Belle River town light poles of Notre Dame Street.”
A Shining Light for Local Veterans
All of these programs and initiatives hope to bring honour and appreciation for the groups of local veterans so prominent in Lakeshore. Bastian said it’s a great honour to be so heavily involved in the processes.
“This is a shining example, as to what can be accomplished when the Municipality and the Legion work together to honour our Veterans on a continuing basis. I consider it an honour and a privilege to be included in these efforts as a representative of our Belle River Legion,” said Bastian. “Special thanks to Branch #399 president Richard Brooks, Lakeshore mayor Tracey Bailey, executive assistant Pakinam Seddik, councillor John Kerr and building inspector Brandon Berry, for their assistance and guidance in bringing these projects to fruition.”
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