MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2023

Launch of the Smiths Falls Annual Veteran Banner Program

Smiths Falls, ON-To commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 in partnership with the Town of Smiths Falls and the Downtown Business Association are proud to launch an Annual Veteran Banner Program that will honour and remember local veterans who willingly served or gave their lives in service to Canada and continue to stand for our freedom. 

Beginning October 22^nd to November 13^th, the Smiths Falls Downtown will be lined up with 29 banners, each one depicting a local veteran including both former and active service members. Each banner will include a veteran’s photograph, their name, allied flag and service mission(s).

“The Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 is pleased to finally see this vision come to fruition in our Town. Phase one will commence this October with 29 banners on display, phase two is expected to launch next year with additional banners. The Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion is thankful to the Town of Smiths Falls and the Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association for partnering with us to make this program come to life. As you view the banners, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that these veterans and their families have made to make our great nation of Canada a free and safe country to live in.” The Legion.

“The Annual Veteran Banner Program is a great initiative to honour those who have served and continue to serve our country and to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Mayor Shawn Pankow. “The Banner Program will also provide an opportunity for community members and those visiting our town to learn more about the veterans who call Smiths Falls home”.

"It is a great privilege for the DBA to support the efforts of our local Legion in bringing a Veteran Banner Program to Smiths Falls. We are honoured that the downtown will be the launch point of this initiative and look forward to watching the program grow with each year!" - Nora Schlathau, DSFBA Coordinator

The Royal Legion will host a Remembrance Day Memorial Service on Saturday November 11^th, 2023. The day will commence with the Veterans Parade forming up at the Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion facility at 10:30 a.m., followed by marching through Main St. East and Beckwith to the Veterans Memorial Park. The Remembrance Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Persons wishing to deposit Wreaths or flowers in memory of fallen veterans may do so at the Cenotaphs.

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Media Contact

Esther Njuguna

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695

Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8

613-283-4124 ext. 1137

enjuguna@smithsfalls.ca