Residents and visitors of 91原创 may have noticed red banners hung on the lamp posts in 91原创 City this past week, bearing black and white images on the fronts.
These banners are part of an ongoing project by the Downtown 91原创 Business Association (DLBA) to honour veterans by displaying their images around 91原创 City, said executive director Teri James.
鈥淚t is important to honour our veterans in as many ways as possible, and it was felt by the DLBA that this was a way to allow the business community 鈥� and community in general 鈥� to recognize the people who fought for our country,鈥� James said.
For her, she saw first-hand the toll war can take on a family, hearing of her grandparents and mother and aunts struggle when her grandfather was deployed in the Second World War.
鈥淟ong absences, gut-wrenching trauma, and I have been told he came back from the war a different person,鈥� she shared.
In 2011, the DLBA pursued the banner project and now has a total of 35 images for the collection, which are printed on 50 banners, which are displayed around downtown 91原创 City ahead of each Remembrance Day (Nov. 11).
鈥淲e鈥檙e slowing increasing our collection, which as you can appreciate, is challenging, because the people we are honouring are not necessarily with us anymore,鈥� said James.
The banners encompass six City blocks.
鈥淭hey are primarily hung along Fraser Highway from 203rd [Street] down to 208th [Street], and as far over as 56th Avenue and on the other side Douglas Crescent,鈥� she explained.
The project gained traction quickly when it was first introduced in 2011.
鈥淚 know when we first created them I got letters and emails from people back East who heard about the initiative鈥� there are numerous other BIAs in British Columbia now that have duplicated it,鈥� James noted.
The current banners are expected to have an eight to 10 year shelf-life depending on the weather they are exposed to when displayed, she explained.
The original banners became faded and were replaced in 2019, and James is hoping to find the families of each veteran to gift it to them.
鈥淚t is important to remember because I believe Remembrance Day honours the sacrifice of those who fought for and in many cases, gave their lives for peace. It is a time to pause and show respect to those who fought and ultimately lost their lives for the well being and freedom of Canadians and the country,鈥� James said.
The banners will remain on display for one week after Remembrance Day.
To contact the DLBA about the original banners, people can call 604-539-0133.
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