New Main Street Markham veterans' banners 'tangible reminder to remember'

'We can continue to show our deep admiration, respect and gratitude': Mayor

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 12, 2019
Heidi Riedner

For the first time this Remembrance Day, 40 veterans’ memorial banners lined Main Street Markham as a tangible reminder to remember.

They tell the stories of Markham veterans, including 97-year-old Stan Hems, who landed on Juno Beach with the Third Canadian Infantry Division.

He was a dispatch rider who ferried critical dispatches from the ever-moving front lines to and from field commanders to battalion, brigade and divisional headquarters.

Jack Paley, 97, was a member of the elite British Special Air Service, who parachuted behind enemy lines to conduct sabotage on logistical supply, communications, transportation and command and control systems.

Both Markham men were honoured with France’s highest military honour -- the rank of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.

“Peace, order, good government and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are not free, but have been paid for by our veterans,” town crier John Webster proclaimed to open the official unveiling of the banners at a ceremony on the front lawn of St. Andrew’s United Church on Nov. 8.

"There is a danger that during our busy day-to-day lives our heroes can easily slip into the back of our minds," Webster added. "These banners are a tangible reminder to remember, to honour and to say thank you to those who have, and to those who are still, serving. These banners command our attention and demand that our heroes are in the forefront of our thoughts as we honour and remember their selfless duty."

Each banner features a local veteran, including both former and active service members. They include a veteran’s photograph, their Allied flag, their service position and era of service, as well as the banner sponsors.

"Markham has a proud history of those who answer the call of duty and selflessly serve. To the honoured veterans who are still with us, we say thank you. To those we have lost, we will remember them,” Mayor Frank Scarpitti said before joining members of the Markham District Veterans Association for the unveiling.

“Our main streets tell us who we are, and how the past has shaped us. Now, as a community, we can continue to show our deep admiration, respect and gratitude, while displaying our sense of pride.”

Remembrance Day ceremonies included a Sunday service at the Veterans Hall, followed by a parade to lay wreaths at the Markham Village Veterans Square and Cenotaph.

Council hosted a service Nov. 11 commemorating Remembrance Day, the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy that was also livestreamed for residents. It included a performance by singer Jonathan Michael, a recitation of In Flanders Fields by Grade 2 students and the raising of the Poppy Flag by the Markham and Emergency Fire Services Honour Guard.

A ceremony also took place Nov. 11 at Crosby Memorial Arena Cenotaph hosted by the Unionville Business Improvement Area.