Banners honouring Canada's veterans will hang from light posts down Veterans Way this fall.

Starting in October, the Okotoks branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will hang the banners as part of the Memorial Banner Project.

Legion President Bob McLeod says the purpose of the project is to remind residents of the sacrifices veterans have made for Okotokians and Canadians.

"What it does is it reminds people of the veterans that actually served and the great freedoms and benefits we have today are because so many of them fought and lost their lives," he said.

The banners will be available for sale to individuals in Okotoks. They will feature photos of veterans, as well as slogans meant to honour those who have served.

"There's many sayings and epitaphs that promote that," McLeod said. "One of them is 'Remember us because for your todays we gave our tomorrows.' That's sort of a theme we'd like to promote this year."

The project will coincide with the fall Poppy campaign. The hope is younger residents will also be able to gain appreciation for veterans as a result.

"By having a face and a picture up there, it shows them it's not just a veteran, it's not just pictures of war," McLeod said. "They see that they were real people, many of whom went overseas and gave their lives for our way of life."

The banners will be on sale until October 14.

Anyone interested in purchasing a banner can e-mail the Legionhead to their website. or call McLeod at 403 603 8842.

 

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