GORE BAY—Banners showing the photographs, names and ranks of veterans who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and are from Western Manitoulin will soon adorn the downtown of Gore Bay.
The Western Manitoulin Legion Branch #514 Gore Bay and the Rotary Club of Gore Bay have partnered to unveil the Remembrance Project to recognize all veterans of Western Manitoulin, thanks to the interest of local residents.
Beverly Wright, second vice-president of RCL #514 told The Expositor last week, “I sent out an email in 2023 to see if there was anyone interested in having veteran’s banners displayed in town. After testing the waters, 23 Western Manitoulin residents expressed an interest and put their names on a list to purchase banners. Then when other local people heard about the project, they wanted to put their name on a list to purchase a banner, and we have 33 in total, so far.”
The Legion is in partnership with the Rotary Club on this project, said Ms. Wright. “Jack Clark, a member (past president) of the Rotary Club had indicated he was interested in the project and could help get some donations (funding) for the Legion and the project. This veterans banner project is a combined effort.”
With the town of Gore Bay having indicated previously that it was undertaking an extensive downtown revitalization (which is currently underway) the Legion/Rotary Club waited to let members of the public know about the proposed veterans banners project. “We are looking to install 33 banners on poles and we can use the hydro poles if more than 33 families come forward and want to purchase a banner,” said Ms. Wright. She said the banners will be similar in size and design as remembrance banners installed in Billings, Assiginack and Little Current in recent years.
“The town light poles have banner brackets, so families only have to purchase the banners. And we will buy more brackets if over 33 are requested,” said Ms. Wright.
“The banners will probably be installed in late September and taken down at the end of November,” continued Ms. Wright. The veteran’s banners will recognize veterans “who are active, have passed away or were killed in action. This is open to all of Western Manitoulin, from M’Chigeeng First Nation (to Meldrum Bay) and can include any veteran who has served and is from Western Manitoulin.”
The cost per banner is $175 and the deadline for submissions to request a veteran banner is July 31.
