MOOSE JAW —The whisper of the wind and the crackling of leaves were the only sounds in Crescent Park as a crowd stood silently for several minutes honouring 25 veterans from the community.
Nearly 100 people — families, friends, dignitaries, politicians and citizens — gathered at the park’s Cordova Street entrance on Nov. 1 to celebrate the men whose faces adorn the new banners that now fly from light poles throughout the downtown.
This is the second year of the city’s veterans’ banner program, which launched last year with the unveiling of 23 flags featuring Moose Jaw men who served in war and peace.
Bagpiper Michelle Carline kicked off the ceremony with a tune, followed by 34-year RCMP veteran Garth Hampson, 90, singing O Canada. Ceremony MC Coun. Crystal Froese then welcomed the crowd and recognized the many dignitaries and members of the heritage advisory committee in attendance.
Taking the microphone, Mayor Clive Tolley said this project is incredibly important for Moose Jaw, while the committee should be commended for its strong effort in promoting it. He also applauded the families for paying tribute to their loved ones.
Janie Fries, committee vice-chair, thanked project chairwoman Stella Richards for spearheading the initiative and residents for embracing it, as the program honoured Moose Javians who were committed to giving their lives for their country.
“This project is very close to the hearts of many. The fact the community response has been so immediate speaks volumes to the fact that so many of us try to live the statement ‘Lest we forget,’” she continued.
“Throughout the decades, it’s been easy to get caught up in busy lives and future goals. To remember takes time and commitment. And for that, we thank you.”
The veterans on these banners represent only a fraction of the thousands of men who answered the call of war and left the safety of homes and the love of families to serve overseas, said Froese.
Froese singled out the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary this year, including 15 Wing Air Base and its predecessors for training 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 serve as a reminder not to forget those who are gone, but also to remember all those who continue to serve our country with unwavering dedication,” she added.
Richards then read the names of the 25 men who had been added.
The new inductees include Sgt. Eldon Lawrence Babcock, Signalman Adelard Brin, Lt. George Donald Collins, Lance-Cpl. Matthew Collins, Lead aircraftman Douglas (Scottie) B. Dunlop, Pte. Arthur John Ellis, Pte. Reginald Ellis MM, Sgt. W. Roy Ellis, Pte. Lloyd Elmer Erickson, Sgt. Douglass Ross Greene, Lance-Cpl. Sidney T. Hampson, Flight Officer James Burleigh Hill and Cpl. Spiros (Sam) Marinos.
Also, there is George Markewich, Pte. George M. McGregor, Company Sgt. Maj. Alastair James Muir, Pte. Sir Arthur Charles Edward Ramshaw, Bill Sagal, Walter Sagal, Pte. Francis Eric Sagal, Sgt. Donald N.E. Stockton, Harold (Seabee) Seabrook, Sgt. Anthony Olden Thomlinson and Gunner William (Bill) Wetaski.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them,” Richards added, with the crowd repeating the second phrase.
Trumpeter David Selensky then played Last Post and Reveille, with two minutes of silence in between each tune. Carline then played her bagpipers to close the ceremony, after which, most people attended a reception in the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery foyer.
The names of the new men and those added last year can be found on the City of Moose Jaw website.
