It's Portraits of Honour Week from Sept. 11-17 for Red Deer County and the City of Red Deer.County mayor Jim Wood and city mayor Morris Flewwelling officially proclaimed the decision last Thursday at Veteran's Park.ìToday's signing is an important event as we recognize those who have served and been wounded Ö we recognize this week as one way to thank those who served and died,î said Wood to a group that included veterans, RCMP and community members.The decision was to recognize and promote the Portraits of Honour mural on display at Red Deer College on Sept. 16 and 17.ìSept. 16 and 17 will be a special weekend of celebration to honour the men and women of our Armed Forces who put their lives on the line every day,î said Flewwelling.The mural, created by Ontario artist Dave Sopha, features the 158 faces of the fallen military heroes who lost their lives in Afghanistan. The tour began in Kitchener, Ont., on May 27 and will run until Dec. 5 when it closes in Brandon, Man.The purpose of the national tour is to raise money for a trust fund for families of fallen veterans, as well as those who have been injured while serving their country.ìBecause they're not from World War One or World War Two, there's nothing really in place for them,î said Doris Kibermanis, of the Red Deer Portraits of Honour committee.ìThere's no money for counselling, no money for the rehabilitation Ö they can apply for certain funds through the military but it's not really set up because they're such a minority. We're basically not at war so that's why it's pretty hard,î she said, adding that widows do receive a pension from Veterans Affairs but it's not comparable to what they would have gotten from the world wars.The money collected from the stop in Red Deer will go towards Central Alberta military families.Honorary Col. Ron Woodward said Thursday more than 20 residents from Red Deer have served in Afghanistan in the last 10 years and currently one pilot serving in Libya is from Red Deer as well.The mural will be on display 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the two days and the official opening on the 16th will include a parade of Legion members. On the 17th, the mural as well as military and police equipment will be on display.The local tour stop will include a Regimental Dinner at Red Deer's Black Knight Inn on Friday, Sept 16 that will include a speech by retired Gen. Rick Hillier.Tables of eight sold for $1,200 and all 17 have sold. All of the money is going towards the trust fund.There will also be a Highway of Heroes designated along College Boulevard at Red Deer College where 158 flags will be set up and sold for sponsorship. So far, only 20 flags remain. The sponsorship cost is $750.Veterans, family and RCMP were present at the proclamation signing last week.
