RMWB council approves crosswalk honouring veterans

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The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) will have a crosswalk honouring veterans placed somewhere in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.

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Council approved the motion unanimously at their Tuesday meeting. The idea was was proposed by Mayor Sandy Bowman as a way to honour Canadian veterans.

The veterans of the First World War have all died and most veterans of the Second World War are gone, said Bowman. There are also veterans of other conflicts, ranging from the Korean War and dozen of peacekeeping operations to Afghanistan, that should be honoured.

Bowman said the crosswalk is a way to honour veterans living in the community, and to teach young people about their sacrifices and the mistakes of the past. The motion was supported by the Fort McMurray branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“The Legion fully supports this in any aspect and however it’s going to go forward, and we will assist the mayor and council with this motion,” said Ryan Pitchers, the sergeant-at-arms for the Fort McMurray Legion.

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Councillor Kendrick Cardinal was concerned about Indigenous veterans being included in any mural. Board member and past president Pat Duggan acknowledged the inequalities many Indigenous veterans have faced and said the Legion has supported ceremonies for Indigenous Veterans Day.

There are also Indigenous veterans who are members of the Legion, and Duggan said all members will be able to give their input on any design and location. Duggan also said if there is funding for multiple locations, a crosswalk honouring veterans in the rural areas could be possible.

Councillor Stella Lavallee suggested Real Martin Drive as a possible location. Real Martin was a local Metis man who fought in the Second World War and Lavallee’s great uncle. She also suggested a location near Bill Woodward School in Anzac. The school’s namesake is another local veteran.

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“Now is a very timely point, because so many of our veterans, as mayor had already indicated, are moving on, and our young people need to know our history,” said Councillor Allan Grandison, who also spoke of his parents and brother-in-laws who are veterans.

“I think this is something that is maybe a little overdue in the community, so I think it’ll be something that’s very welcome by the community and by the Legion,” said Bowman. “I thank Legion for their support in this, and look forward to seeing designs and options of where it will go.”

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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