Watch: West Island businesses mark Remembrance Day
MONTREAL — When veterans Ian Walker, David Collingwood and Guy Bourdette walked into the Beaconsfield Legion on Thursday morning, they were pleasantly surprised to find a big banner with the picture of a poppy and the word “Respect” hanging by the door.
“I’m very pleased to see it,” said Ian Walker.
“The poppy’s a beautiful emblem,” agreed David Collingwood.
What does the poppy mean to you? Share your stories
The sign is part of a new Canada Company campaign launched by businesses along Highway 40, which anyone driving down will notice the creative lengths some companies have decided to go to in order to pay their respects.
“Most business leaders do not have a military connection,” explained Colin Robinson of APG, who helped organize the campaign.
“But feel they owe it to military who have created the conditions, a peaceful nation where we are able to do business. It would not have occurred without military contributions.”
So far the campaign includes 40 businesses along Highway 40, but organizers said that number is bound to change.
“I was at a function on Saturday night and people were talking about it. They’ve seen it on the highway as they were driving by, wondering what the initiative was, who started it, and they want to see if they can get involved as well,” said Robinson, who explained they had been getting plenty of calls from other businesses asking for a banner of their own.
Area residents said they approve of the initiative, especially in light of recent events.
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I noticed a few of them, and I think it’s a really wonderful idea, especially with all that’s been happening,” said Janice Laws.
“It’s important to remember, so the fact that businesses are doing it, I think it’s great,” said Hugh Bertrand as he was leaving a gym along Highway 40, one of the businesses that is participating.
“Never forget.”
For veterans, the gesture is especially moving.
“It means remembrance of all the people who gave their lives during the war,” said Walker.
The cities of Pointe-Claire, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Kirlkand and Dollard-des-Ormeaux have all expressed interest in hanging up additional banners on their respective city halls.
To get involved visit www.canadacompany.ca.
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