if anybody is in airdrie saturday
It's time to honour veterans along Veteran's Boulevard once again.
The fourth annual memorial cross erection ceremony will take place along the median of Veteran's Boulevard, just west of the Main Street intersection, Oct. 31 at about 11 a.m.
About 25 crosses, each inscribed with the name, age, rank and death date of a soldier killed in action, will be put up in honour of those who have and continue to serve their country. The crosses will stand until Remembrance Day.
Don Leonardo, a third-generation veteran who served in Yugoslavia and outspoken advocate who is helping organize the event, said it's important not to forget.
“The saying is 'lest we forget,' and this is part of never forgetting,” he said. “Up until four years ago... those names were forgotten.
The event will include a motorcycle parade, with members of the Legion Riders, which is organizing the event. The parade is open to all riders, with a special invitation for Alberta Sheriffs, veterans, members of Canada's military and reserve forces, Calgary Police Service members and Mounties.
The parade will marshal at the Town & Country Centre cenotaph at 10 a.m. and proceed on a tour of the city ending at the Veteran's Boulevard site for the ceremony.
The ceremony will include an honour guard, to march from the Brewster's parking lot, salute and flag raising.
Leonardo said organizers are hoping to erect miniature crosses on the graves of fallen soldiers laid to rest in the Airdrie cemetary after the ceremony on Veteran's Boulevard.
According to Alderman Allan Hunter, a staunch supporter of the event, the veteran's honoured include those from Airdrie and area, as well as three adopted soldiers whose hometowns are unknown.
Hunter said this year's ceremony will especially poignant, as it is the first anniversary of the death of Nathan Cirillo, who was shot while on ceremonial sentry duty at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa on Oct. 22, 2014. On Oct. 20, 2014, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was deliberately ran down by a suspected terrorist while in a Quebec parking lot.
“The reminder is that we are paying tribute to those who have given their lives, but it's important to recognize the men and women who continue to put their lives on the line for this country,” said Hunter.
Hunter encourages residents to attend the ceremony.
“What we are hoping is that the public will line both sides of Veteran's Boulevard,” said Hunter, noting attendees are asked to bring flags to wave at the ceremony.
“It is up to us civilians to honour not only the ones that sacrificed their lives for us, but the veterans and service members in our community.”
Last year's event attracted more than 40 bikers and numerous members of the Legion.
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