CARLYLE - Driving down Main Street Carlyle, people may have noticed new banners adorning the light standards.
Thirty-two banners representing 50 veterans who fought for our country have been raised and will remain displayed until after Remembrance Day.
The banner project started last fall when there were four banners raised. Comrade Jack Wilson is a long-time member of the local legion.
“With a generous donation from the John and Fran Brown family, additional banners were purchased for people without immediate family or financial means. We now have 32 on display and expect more in the coming years.”
Comrade Audrey Young has several relatives overlooking the streets of Carlyle.
“Maisie Young was my husband Howard’s mother. She had three sons enlisted in World War 2, Howard, Ron, and Wes. They all returned home safe and sound. Her brother, William Anderson, did not, and died in battle.”
Over the years, the Carlyle Legion has been successful obtaining a treasure trove of pictures and background information of residents who fought for their country. The walls of their Legion Hut on Fifth Street West are adorned with photographs.
Helen Finucane is the daughter of John Brown.
“My father didn’t speak about the war until the Queen Mother passed away in 2002. Then he starting to reminisce about the King and Queen inspecting their troop while he was stationed overseas. I am extremely pleased that the banners are now proudly displayed on Main Street Carlyle. The Legion has done an admirable job.”
Comrade Nedra Clark also provided further details about the banner locations. “Although most of the banners are on Main Street, others have been raised farther along from the railway tracks to Carlyle Avenue, Highway 9 and Main Street, and Highway 9 and the service road. One can also see banners at the corner of Railway Avenue and Fifth Street West, and one is located near the cenotaph.”
Clark is pleased with the local interest shown in the banner project.
“The legion wishes to thank the Town of Carlyle for supporting our project and taking the time to raise our banners. It is a great way to honour the families whose relatives have fought for our country. I also wish to thank the families that who purchased banners in remembrance of their family veterans.”
Craig Bird is the founder of the South East Military Museum in Estevan. Nearly 100 memorial banners have been displayed in 10 southeast communities this fall, including the ones in Carlyle. Other towns displaying banners include Carnduff, Lampman, Redvers and Stoughton.
“Thank-you to the hardworking comrades of the No. 248 Royal Canadian Legion Carlyle branch. Since 2019, it has been my goal to honour more and more of these local heroes in their hometowns. The Carlyle Legion has really assisted us in promoting the banners and obtaining the important family history. Their efforts are truly appreciated.”
For further information on the banner project, please contact any local member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
