Taber City puts veterans front and center this Remembrance Day – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

Veterans will be on display at Taber this year for Remembrance Day.

Banners with the names and photographs of those who served in the city will be hung as part of the Veterans Banner Project.

This is the first year that Taber will participate in the initiative. It’s something that the city’s arts, culture and events coordinator, Emily Hembrough, has wanted to start for some time, after seeing it in Atlantic Canada.

“They have done it for years,” Hembrough said.

“I get photographs every year where my mother buys one and puts it in front of her business downtown. I’m finally in the position now … that I could bring him here. “

The proceeds from the banners will go to the local legion and it is a cause behind which the community is rallying.

“I was expecting 20 or 40 (posters) and we ended up selling 70,” Hembrough said.

“We already have a waiting list for next year of people hoping to have one again.”

The project will also provide long-awaited recognition for a veteran.

John William Alcorn was buried in an unnamed grave in the small town after serving in the First World War.

Almost 100 years later, Alcorn received a tombstone, and his military history was discovered in the process.

“We did a little more research and found his royal admission documentation which proved he was a veteran,” said Taber’s communications and projects coordinator Meghan Brennan.

“It is going to be very exciting that this year he is recognized for his service.”

“(Although) he was buried in a potter’s field, he was not forgotten and will be commemorated by our community.”

As someone with veterans in her family, Brennan says the tribute is “emotional in a happy way” and is ready to see the banners when they are displayed on November 1.

“Being able to honor them and thank them in some way is an extraordinary honor for me to be part of it.”

“It’s going to be amazing,” Hembrough said. “Our city is going to be very grateful and it will look so beautiful in our city center.”

The banners will hang around the cenotaph and branch out to the center, where they will remain hung until November 18.