Smiths Falls launches Veteran Banner Program to honour local heroes ahead of Remembrance Day

Smiths Falls is making it a little easier for residents and visitors to remember those who fought and died in service of our country as Remembrance Day approaches.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95, in collaboration with the Town of Smiths Falls and the Downtown Business Association, is launching its annual Veteran Banner Program to recognize local veterans. The program, which aims to honour those who served or sacrificed their lives in service to Canada, will feature a public display of commemorative banners ahead of Remembrance Day.

Starting Tuesday, Oct. 8, 59 banners will be installed throughout downtown Smiths Falls, each depicting a veteran from the community. The banners will include photographs, names, and details of the veterans’ service, honouring both former and current members of the armed forces. The banners will remain on display until after Remembrance Day.

“As you view the banners, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that these veterans and their families have made to make our great nation of Canada a free and safe country to live in,” said the Legion in a statement.

Mayor Shawn Pankow also highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that the program is “a great initiative to honour those who have served and continue to serve our country and to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Pankow added that the program also provides “an opportunity for community members and those visiting our town to learn more about the veterans who call Smiths Falls home”.

In addition to the banner program, the Legion will host its Remembrance Day Memorial Service on Monday, Nov. 11. The event will begin with a Veterans Parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by a march to Veterans Memorial Park, where the service will take place at 11 a.m. Those wishing to place wreaths or flowers in memory of fallen veterans can do so at the Cenotaphs.