2024 will be a banner year – literally – when it comes to honouring Milton veterans.
Residents and businesses can recognize those who served and sacrificed via the new Legacy of Honour Milton, recently announced by the local Legion.
Inspired by similar programs in communities across southern Ontario, the initiative – according to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 136 President Sarah Moore – is a natural extension of annual Remembrance Day events and programming.
She came across veterans banners years ago while visiting her daughter near Orangeville. Her reaction was immediate and obvious.
"We have to do this (in Milton," said Moore, a third-generation veteran who estimates about 40 banners will be displayed on lamp posts at Victoria Park and along downtown Main Street this coming fall. The program is being run in partnership with the Town of Milton and Milton DBIA. "It's a great way to commemorate our local heroes."
Overwhelming support for program
After a pandemic-induced delay, the idea was recently revisited, unanimously approved by Legion members and is now being chaired by Frank Avila, who – coming from a military family -- has a deep-rooted stake in showcasing the town’s veterans.
“The biggest eye-opener for me during last year’s poppy campaign in the schools, it (Remembrance Day) didn’t feel the same as when I was a kid. I think we’re forgetting our veterans. So when (partner) Jen and I saw banners in Stratford last year, we thought it would be great to bring this here.”
“If it wasn’t for them (veterans), we wouldn’t be here.”
An application form will soon be available in which residents and businesses can sponsor a local veteran for roughly $200, which includes the cost of the banner and installation for two years, with a reinstallation fee of $50 after that.
Bids are currently being considered among three local companies for the manufacturing of the banners, which were designed by Avila and will be about four-and-a-half to five feet long.They feature the veteran’s photo, as well as when and where they served.
The Legion will be sponsoring two banners for U.J. (Joe) Waters and Bob Williams, and will be holding a May 11 campaign launch fundraiser to assist families that can’t cover the cost.
A fundraising event will be held April 24 at East Side Mario's. The evening will include dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., with karaoke, kids games, prizes and a 50/50 draw.
“It’s all about remembering our veterans,” said Moore.
The banners will be on display between October 21 and November 29.
Legacy of Honour Milton updates can be seen on Facebook, while questions about the program can be sent to [email protected].