DIDSBURY - Family members and friends came out on Sept. 22 for an unveiling of the Didsbury Memorial Veteran Banner Project at the Didsbury Museum.
Grant Jenning, organizer of the project, said the private reception went well and was attended by several family members and friends of the veterans.
"The museum was extremely honoured to have World War II veterans Bill Jepps and Glen Munro attend in person," said Jenning. "We had different generations from different families. Captain Todd MacDonald of 3025 Didsbury, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp (41 Service Battalion) was also in attendance."
Also attending was museum president Rick Astle who welcomed guests and mentioned that this project has the unanimous support of the museum board as a "natural extension" of its military memorabilia display. Astle also noted that the timing of the project coincides with the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter spoke on behalf of the town and extended her heartfelt gratitude to the veterans and commended the museum for its role in preserving local history.
The banners will be placed on light posts along 20th Avenue in Didsbury from the hospital west to 16th Street in October and remain up until mid-November, said Jenning.
"This unveiling marked the first year of a multi-year project that will see additional banners of local veterans being displayed in Didsbury each year," he said. "The veterans banner project is relatively new and is spreading slowly across Canada. It provides an opportunity for the families of the veterans to purchase a banner as a tribute to a family member or friend.
"By taking part in this project, families are encouraging everyone to remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country, affording us the freedoms we enjoy today."
Further information is available by contacting the museum at 403-335-9295 or by visiting the Didsbury Memorial Veteran Banner Facebook page.
