‘We owe you our gratitude’: Veterans Crosswalk unveiled, dedicated in Port Hope
By correspondent Alan Rivett
It was a labour of love and remembrance for the legion’s Vincent O’Hanley at the dedication of the Veterans Crosswalk in Port Hope on Remembrance Day.
Located on Augusta Street near the cenotaph in front of town hall, the crosswalk is a remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, as well as pays tribute and homage to those who have served in defence of Canada. The dedication was well attended by those who had also attended the earlier Remembrance Day ceremony.
“I am very proud of it (and) to see it in its physical form,” said O’Hanley, who serves as the sergeant-at-arms at the Port Hope Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30, in an interview after the dedication.
“It was a lot of work to get there. A lot of endless nights, but we got there. Look at that. It’s beautiful,” he added.
O’Hanley said the initial idea for the crosswalk started in July. And with the help of the Municipality of Port Hope and numerous generous donations by local businesses, the crosswalk came to fruition. He said in addition to remembering the fallen, it pays tribute to Port Hope veterans and those currently serving in Canada’s armed forces.
“We were able to put this dedication of this crosswalk not only to the veterans, but to the current serving members, which you’ve seen some of them in the crowd because these people are the ambassadors of peace for Canada. And that’s what this stands for.
“They paid a great sacrifice – some will pay a great sacrifice. And this is there for them, and for the community.”
Current Deputy Mayor and Ward 1 councillor-elect Adam Pearson said the crosswalk will be a permanent reminder of those who have served Canada.
“This Veterans Crosswalk will be a visible and lasting reminder of the men and women who have served our country. It will be a part of our community, woven into the everyday lives of residents, visitors, for generations to come,” Pearson told the crowd.
Pearson also paid tribute to O’Hanley – a retired air force captain – and to the legion for spearheading the effort to have the crosswalk as a permanent fixture in the municipality.
“Vince, your dedication, leadership and commitment to recognizing our veterans has played an important role in bringing this project forward,” said Pearson. “It takes someone who believes in an idea, who is willing to put in the work and continues to push that idea until it becomes a reality.
“More importantly, to our veterans and to our community – to the entire membership of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30, thank you. The legion plays an important role in our community.
“Through your work, your ceremonies, your advocacy, and your continued support of our veterans and their families, you ensure remembrance is not simply a once-a-year occasion. You keep their stories alive and help pass that responsibility onto our future generations.”
Legion Padre Comrade Kevin Moore also gave remarks at the crosswalk dedication, noting there’s a movement to have several more crosswalks in other locales in town, including in front of schools.
“The speed with which this project was introduced and made a reality is a remarkable accomplishment,” he said. “Having this crosswalk so close to the cenotaph and in the heart of our downtown core, is particularly meaningful.”
Moore talked about a desire to create other crosswalks around the community, particularly near schools.
“I am thrilled with how schools have taken up the mantle of keeping the act of remembrance alive in their classrooms. A Veterans Crosswalk that children would cross every day will be a continued powerful reminder of what so many have done on their behalf,” explained Moore.
Pearson commended personnel within the various departments of the Municipality of Port Hope who went above-and-beyond to make the crosswalk a reality.
“These projects require co-ordination, planning, and a lot of work behind-the-scenes, and I want to recognize that and thank them for their hard work.”
Pearson also thanked veterans for their service.
“Whether you’ve served overseas, here at home, in the Canadian Armed Forces, or in times of peace, please know that your service and your sacrifices are very valued. We owe you more than words, more than a ceremony, and certainly more than recognition one day each year.
“We owe you our gratitude, our respect, and our commitment to never forget.”
As people pass through the community and walkway, Pearson said he hopes they take a moment to recognize what the crosswalk represents.
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