The Lakefield Legion has honoured local veterans while commemorating its 100th anniversary with a new memorial crosswalk in downtown Lakefield.
The new veterans memorial crosswalk on Queen Street at the intersection with Bridge and Albert street was officially unveiled during a ceremony on Saturday (June 20), attended by representatives from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield, Peterborough County, and Selwyn Township along with local veterans, the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party, community members, and invited guests.
Emceed by Lakefield Legion president Lorna McDonald, the unveiling ceremony also included remarks by Peterborough County deputy warden and Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Keith Knott of Curve Lake First Nation, and Allie Bonner on behalf of Peterborough MP Emma Harrison.
“The Lakefield Legion got our charter in 1926 and Branch 77 is celebrating this milestone too,” MacDonald said. “One of the big goals we had this year was to have a veterans memorial crosswalk in Lakefield. We have been wanting to make this happen for quite a while, and we thought our 100th anniversary would be a fitting time.”
Lakefield Legion Branch 77, Peterborough County, and Selwyn Township collaborated on the creation of the crosswalk, with Peterborough County contributing to the road-marking installation and Selwyn Township supporting the unveiling event as part of the Legion’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
“The crosswalk is meant to express our gratitude to the veterans in our area who have served or are still serving,” MacDonald said. “We were pleased our county and township partnered with us to make this crosswalk happen.”
“The veterans memorial crosswalk is a visible and lasting tribute to those who have served our country with courage and dedication,” said Mayor Senis. “As we mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, this project provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms and to ensure their legacy is remembered by future generations. On behalf of Selwyn Township Council, I am proud to see this meaningful tribute become part of our community.”
Also calling it a “meaningful tribute,” Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark said in a statement that the crosswalk “honours the service and sacrifice of veterans from our communities.”
“Peterborough County is proud to partner with Selwyn Township and the Lakefield Legion Branch 77 on a project that recognizes those who have served our country while creating a lasting symbol of remembrance for residents and visitors alike,” the warden added.
During the ceremony, Lakefield Legion past-president Jim Marsden accompanied a Second World War veteran in a ceremonial first walk across the crosswalk, followed by other local veterans.
