Londoners marked Remembrance Day this week to honour those who have served, and one city councillor is looking to ensure veterans’ sacrifices are remembered not just once a year, but every single day.
Ward 1 councillor. Hadleigh McAlister is proposing a permanent public art installation that would commemorate local veterans and celebrate their stories through visual expression.
“I’m really curious to see what veterans and the public want to see,” McAlister said. “It could be something like a public mural; we have something like the Holy Roller, which is more of a living history, but in terms of the cultural landscape, there are a lot of good options out there.”
Inspired by his grandfather, a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran and avid photographer during World War II, McAllister says the project is deeply personal.
McAlister says his grandfather’s bright, colourful paintings remain a reminder of the power of creativity to help veterans.
The motion received unanimous support from the city’s Community and Protective Services Committee.
“Part of this process will be civic administration reaching out to different veterans’ organizations in town,” He said.
While no funding model has been finalized, McAlister says the project could be supported through a mix of municipal resources, community partnerships, and public donations.
Ultimately, he states that the city will also consult with the Royal Canadian Legion and the Parkwood Institute to ensure that veterans play a vital role in shaping the project.
Veteran Art (Credits: Hadleigh McAllister)
