Local Veteran Banner Tradition Returns to Elmvale

For the seventh consecutive year, Queen Street in downtown Elmvale is lined with commemorative banners paying tribute to local veterans. This ongoing initiative is a collaboration between the Township of Springwater, the Royal Canadian Legion – Elmvale Branch 262, and the Elmvale Business Improvement Area.

This year’s series will recognize 32 veterans, including 30 new profiles added this year.

The 2026 series features: Alan Carson, Alvin Leonard, Benita Clemens, Bob Manning, D. Oscar Kerr, D. Wesley Kerr, Dave Kirton, Dave Lewis, Geo. Terry, Gordon Kirton, Graham Simmonds, Greg Olson, Jack Spence, Jack Templeton, Jim Fleming, Lionel Player, Lorne Archer, Michael Robert Reynolds, Mike Wiwczaruk, N. John Windley, Orville L. Webb, Paul Clemens, Paul O’Neill, Percy Black, Robt. Sprigley, Rodney Barnes, Stanley Clute, Wilbert Archer, William Cain, and William Henry Rance.

The series will also revisit Bernard O’Neill and Bill Grier, who were featured in the Township’s 2021 Remembrance Day Series.

The banner series now contains 175 veterans with opportunity to grow each year through the support of the local community.

These banners are a meaningful way for our community to welcome home and recognize Elmvale’s veterans. This initiative reflects the strong partnership between the Elmvale BIA, the Elmvale Legion and the Township of Springwater, and our shared commitment to honouring those who have served our country.

“There is something incredibly meaningful about seeing the streets of Elmvale lined with Veterans each Fall,” says Crystal Graveson, President, Elmvale BIA. “These banners bring our community together in remembrance and create an opportunity for residents and visitors to reflect on the individuals behind each banner.”

“Remembrance is about more than recognizing a moment in history,” says Graham Simmonds, President, Elmvale Legion Branch 262, “It is about honouring those who served, the sacrifices they made and the families who stood beside them. Each banner represents a life, a story and a connection to our community.” 

“For seven consecutive years, these banners have stood as a meaningful tribute to the courage, service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Mayor Jennifer Coughlin. “Each banner represents an individual story of dedication, and together they remind us of our responsibility to honour those who have served and those who continue to serve.”

The banners will remain up throughout the month of November.

Through this partnership, community submissions are being accepted by the Elmvale Legion for future consideration in the Remembrance Banner Series. To request that a veteran photo be considered for future banners, please contact the Elmvale Legion directly at rclbr262@gmail.com or 705-322-1042. The intake process for veteran photos is solely operated by the Elmvale Legion; the Township of Springwater and the Elmvale BIA do not accept or process submissions.

For information on Remembrance Day ceremonies happening locally, visit www.springwater.ca