Veterans’ Crosswalk Unveiling Ceremony On Saturday

Worker’s put the finishing touches on a veterans’ commemorative crosswalk between City Hall and Riverside Veterans' Memorial Park on Thursday afternoon. (Photo Alex McCuaig)

Hatter Rhonda Burry made a special trip downtown on Thursday when she heard painting on the veterans’ commemorative crosswalk was taking place.

“I think its great. I love it,” Burry told the Owl. “It looks so nice.”

The project’s proponent, Eddie Devine, first proposed the project in August which council promptly approved unanimously in September in order for the crosswalk to be ready for this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies.

But Devine said the inspiration for the commerative crosswalk started a year ago.

“I was contemplating how we could advertise more the veterans for Medicine Hat and I thought what better way than to have a crosswalk painted that will stay there for years and generations to come,” said Devine. “It’s basically just to highlight veterans in Medicine Hat.”

While Devine acknowledged the city’s Remembrance Day ceremonies, he also noted that only happens once a year.

He’s hoping the crosswalk will recognize all year round, “the selfless commitment that our veterans have done and that some of them pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

Devine is inviting the public to join the offiical opening of the crosswalk which will take place Saturday starting a 9 am.