A brochure links banners that line Berwick’s Commercial and Cottage streets with biographies of the veterans honoured on the banners. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentMichèle Champion hopes a new banner program honouring Berwick-area veterans gives residents another reason to reflect.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe retired educator and her husband Greg Zwicker worked with veterans and their families to create a booklet that shares biographies of many of the veterans honoured through the new banner program. The booklets, funded by Veterans Affairs, are available at town hall and a digital copy is on the Berwick Legion Ortona 69 Branch’s Facebook page.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“The banners we unveil today extend remembrance beyond the cenotaph,” Champion said. “They put faces to those names. They remind us that behind each inscription was a life lived, a family who waited and a community forever changed.”Article contentChristine McDowell, associate deputy minister of Veterans Affairs, said there was no better time to introduce Berwick-area residents to the names and faces of the veterans who fought for the freedom Canadians enjoy today.Article contentThe Kentville native said military history is often discussed from a wide lens detailing the millions who served.Article content“Each one of them though was an individual and that’s the meaning of the veterans’ banner program,” she said.Article contentArticle content“When people see these names and faces, my wish is that they become curious about who they’re looking at and wonder why those individuals were chosen for this honour. My wish is that they ask questions about those individuals in reflection. Were they at Vimy Ridge? Did they land at Juno Beach? Were they in the Persian Gulf? Or did they serve in Afghanistan?”Article contentArticle contentMany of the answers to those questions are contained in the booklet and Champion hopes people take the time to learn more about the veterans honoured through the banners.Article content“They will serve as powerful reminders as each face will spark curiosity, conversations and pride,” she said. “A child may look up and ask who was this person?”Article contentIn that moment, she envisions a story being told, a memory being passed on and a legacy of service continuing for future generations.Article contentThe banners are placed throughout the heart of the town, ensuring the veterans’ courage and sacrifice remain present in residents’ lives for generations to come, Champion said.Article content“We are saying, we remember you, we honour you and we will not forget you.”Article content
Veterans biographies included in booklet tied to Berwick banner program
