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Lest we forget.
The Preston Legion is working to make sure people don't.
The legion's veteran banner program is in the final stages of completion and will soon see the faces of local heroes sitting high atop street poles throughout the community in the lead up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.
For Terry Smith, veterans service officer for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 located on Westminster Drive, the program serves as a reminder that as the years pass, it remains just as important to remember those who served.
"The program is open to the wider local community, not just legion members, and can reinforce the period of remembrance to our younger generations," Smith said.
"The main goal is that we never forget the service, including the ultimate sacrifice so many service men and women have made for the freedoms we enjoy today."
Each year, applications are accepted for all veterans as per the legion's definition, which is any member of the Canadian armed forces, the commonwealth forces and its allies.
Families can then pay for the banners to honour a loved one or member of the community. The banner features the name of the veteran, a photo and other information regarding their service.
"I have had conversations with many local residents who are openly talking about their veteran family members and their military service," Smith said.
"It can also encourage, I would hope, for others to become involved in the legion's endeavours assisting veterans and their families along with other veteran charities."
Smith points out that many of the veterans living in the community are struggling and still dealing with the physical and mental toll their service time took.
As the veterans service officer, he deals with it every day and feels its important that people know the true impact.
"Today's veterans face a lot of issues," he said.
"These include mental health such as post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries from service. Homelessness is becoming a growing concern among veterans and this stems from many different circumstances. I have worked with a variety of different people not only at the legion but people from other supporting agencies too."
Aside from the banner program, the poppy campaign will be rolling out in the coming weeks.
During the campaign, donations are collected around the city and are held in trust at the branch level to directly support veterans and their families.
"The poppy campaign for this year begins the last week of October," Smith said.
"Poppy funds are used to assist veterans and their families, as well as for donations to other causes such as service dogs for veterans, Leave the Streets Behind and Wounded Warriors."
The veteran banners are scheduled to be displayed along King Street during the first week of October and will remain up until Nov. 12 after Remembrance Day.
For more information on the Preston Legion visit prestonlegion.ca.
