Three veterans are seen as they cross the newly unveiled Veteran Crosswalk on June 18. Thompson Goddard Photo

CORNWALL – Despite the overcast skies and intermittent rain, there was a good turnout for the unveiling of a Veteran Crosswalk at the intersection of Bedford Street and Second Avenue, near the city’s cenotaph on June 18. Included in the assembled group with city dignitaries, first responders, veterans, current members of the Canadian Armed Forces and members of the public.

The Veteran Crosswalk was a collaborative project between Grade six students of Eamer’s Corners Public School, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 and the City of Cornwall. The project grew out of classroom work surrounding Remembrance Day which included speaking with a veteran who had served in Afghanistan, secondary students who had travelled to France to learn about Canadian war-time service there and research using primary sources.

The students, with the assistance of their teacher Jen Tyo then approached Cornwall Council who approved and committed funding for the projects, with community partners such as the Cornwall Rotary Club, RCL Branch 297 supporting the initiative.

In a June 19 press release from the Upper Canada District School Board, RCL Branch 297 President Marvin Plumadore commented “What these kids have done is amazing”, before continuing how “They’re raising awareness in the community, and I hope other schools will follow their lead to help keep the memory of veterans alive. We can never forget what they’ve done.”

Plumadore led a moving ceremony during the unveiling, which mirrored the ceremonies held throughout the country for Remembrance Day.

We will remember them.