UNITY – Residents of Unity were in awe with the new banners that lined Main Street, with the names and faces of local men and women who served with the Canadian military.
The project was spearheaded by Unity Legion Branch No. 90; after surrounding communities such as Macklin and Cut Knife had their veterans displayed. The banners would have a photo of the soldier, along with their name and service.
In the first round of ordering, the legion ordered 41 banners.
"The number of banner applications we received was overwhelming, it was not expected," said legion treasurer, Ken Dresser.
While the banner program was focused on just the Unity area, the legion is hoping to expand the boundaries a little more.
"We will be adding veterans on a case-by-case basis, depending on where they call home and where most of their family resides. We want our banners to focus on local first," said Dresser.
The banners were ordered from a company that specializes in veteran banner programs for all of Canada, which is managed by a Canadian veteran. A portion of each banner sale is donated back to a program that supports homeless veterans.
"I had one of the town office staff call me to inform me a veteran recently visited Unity, and the banners brought him to tears. This was more than just the legion, it was a community and Unity effort," added Dresser.
The banners were erected in late October and will hang until the Public Works Department prepares downtown for the Christmas season.
"This program would not have been possible without the help and support of Helena Long, the Press Herald staff, the Unity Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Unity. We are excited to start taking new applications in March 2025 and seeing more faces along Main Street," said Dresser.
