A crosswalk in front of the cenotaph in downtown Chatham to pay tribute to veterans is getting quite the buzz.
The municipality said the crosswalk is painted to commemorate those who serve, have served, and those who sacrificed on behalf of Canada.
Royal Canadian Legion Chatham Branch 642 President Len Maynard, who is a 30-year veteran, told CK News Today the Legion was consulted and he picked the location himself.
"I think it's a great idea because it'll help the public remember more than just on the 11th. It'll be a permanent reminder about these troops and the sacrifices they did for everybody," said Maynard.
Maynard said the municipality has really come to bat for the veterans and they are filled with pride.
"They were tickled pink to see it too and are quite happy to see that the community is doing something on their behalf," he said.
Some on social media are criticizing the crosswalk, saying it's disrespectful because it will be driven over. Maynard said he understands because Remembrance Day is an emotional time for many families, adding there's no disrespect or insult intended with the crosswalk.
"You got to keep this in perspective. This is a memorial and people are going to walk on it, but as they're walking they can keep remembering. And it's not put down in bad taste. It's put down there to honour," the 30-year veteran said.
More Remembrance crosswalks will be unveiled soon throughout Chatham-Kent. The crosswalk was paid for using Hydro One’s Councillor Ward Funding and was sponsored by Mayor Darrin Canniff and all Chatham councillors.
Maynard believes this Remembrance Day parade will be the largest yet with the Chatham Maroons, the Kiwanis Club, and the Lions Club joining the veterans on parade. The Chatham-Kent Police honour guard and the Chatham-Kent Fire ceremonial escorts will also be marching in the parade.
The Remembrance Day service at the downtown Chatham cenotaph is on November 11 at 11 a.m.