MOOSE JAW — Whispering wind and crackling leaves were the only sounds in Crescent Park as a crowd stood silently for several minutes to honor 25 community veterans.

Nearly 100 people — families, friends, dignitaries, politicians and citizens — gathered at the park’s entrance on Cordova Street on November 1 to celebrate the men whose faces adorn the new banners that now float on the street’s lamp posts. city ​​center.

This is the second year of the city’s Veterans Banner Program, launched last year with the unveiling of 23 flags representing Moose Jaw men who served in war and peace.

Bagpiper Michelle Carline kicked off the ceremony with a tune, followed by Garth Hampson, 90, a 34-year RCMP veteran, singing O Canada. Ceremony MC Coun. Crystal Froese then welcomed the crowd and paid tribute to the many dignitaries and Heritage Advisory Committee members in attendance.

Taking the microphone, Mayor Clive Tolley said this project is extremely important to Moose Jaw, while the committee deserves credit for its tremendous efforts in promoting it. He also praised the families for paying tribute to their loved ones.

Janie Fries, vice chair of the committee, thanked project chair Stella Richards for leading the initiative and residents for embracing it, as the program honored Moose Javians who committed to giving their lives for their country.

“This project is very close to the hearts of many. The fact that the community response was so immediate speaks volumes about the fact that so many of us are trying to live out the ‘Let us not forget’ statement,” she continued.

“Over the decades, it has been easy to get caught up in busy lives and future goals. Remembering takes time and commitment. And for that, we thank you.

The veterans on these banners represent just a fraction of the thousands of men who answered the call of war and left the security of home and the love of family to serve overseas, said Froese.

Froese distinguished the 100^th anniversary this year, including 15 Wing and its predecessors to train Airmen to protect the country over the decades – and continue to do so as part of the Moose Jaw family.

“Today, as we officially unveil these banners, they remind us not to forget those who have gone, but also to remember all those who continue to serve our country with unwavering dedication,” he said. she added.

Richards then read the names of the 25 men who had been added.

New inductees include Sgt. Eldon Lawrence Babcock, Signalman Adelard Brin, Lt. George Donald Collins, Lance-Cpl. Matthew Collins, Chief Airman Douglas (Scottie) B. Dunlop, Pte. Arthur John Ellis, soldier. Reginald Ellis MM, Sergeant. W. Roy Ellis, Pte. Lloyd Elmer Erickson, Sgt. Douglass Ross Greene, Lance Corporal. Sidney T. Hampson, Flight Officer James Burleigh Hill and Cpl. Spiros (Sam) Marinos.

There is also George Markewich, Pte. George M. McGregor, company sergeant. Major Alastair James Muir, Pte. Sir Arthur Charles Edward Ramshaw, Bill Sagal, Walter Sagal, Pte. Francis Éric Sagal, sergeant. Donald NE Stockton, Harold (Seabee) Seabrook, Sgt. Anthony Olden Thomlinson and Gunner William (Bill) Wetaski.

“In the sunset and in the morning we will remember them,” Richards added, as the crowd repeated the second phrase.

Trumpeter David Selensky then played Last Post and Reveille, with two minutes of silence between each piece. Carline then played the bagpipes to close the ceremony, after which most people attended a reception in the lobby of the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery.

The names of the new men and those added last year can be found on the City of Moose Jaw website.