I’m not much interested in anything military, but the images on the side of the Sid Williams Theatre have drawn my attention on more than one occasion.
Recently I stood in front of them on a cold January afternoon, contemplating what it means to be Canadian and feeling gratitude to those who protect and serve our country.
Last year, a few days before Remembrance Day, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 unveiled the mural on the north wall of the Sid.
The 12 black-and-white photographs honour all who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean Police Action, and various peacekeeping actions throughout the world right up to today’s conflict in Afghanistan.
In the works for a year or so, the mural provides striking and sometimes intimate glimpses into the reality of war and peacekeeping missions, as well as the camaraderie experienced by those involved.
The project was chaired by Legion member Ron Webber who served with the Black Watch of the Royal Highland Regiment. Assisting him was legion president and Air Force veteran, Dave Bell.
“It was a real community project,” notes Bell. “The Legion, City of Courtenay, Courtenay Museum and Sid Williams Theatre all worked together. And organizations and individuals donated funds to make this happen.”
The project cost just under $5,000. As a charitable organization, the 4-H Club applied for and received a $3,000 grant for the mural from the Comox Valley Community Foundation. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 Ladies Auxiliary donated $1,000.
“It was a Legion event and a lot of members participated,” adds Bell. “Some people donated $100, some put in $2, whatever they could afford.”
The City of Courtenay agreed to install lighting to illuminate the mural. “The city is proud and honoured to be a partner in the mural project,” says Randy Wiwchar, director of Community Services. “We plan to install the lighting this spring.”
The goal right from the beginning was to include photographs depicting women and aboriginal military personnel, as well as war-related and peacekeeping missions.
“Wendy Fried from the museum was indispensable,” says Bell. “She did all the research, looking for photographs in various archives such as the Department of National Defence, the Canadian War Museum and others. She was absolutely wonderful; we were really pleased with the images she found.”
The permanent display overlooks Jubilee Square and the cenotaph cairn adjacent to the Sid Williams Theatre where Remembrance Day ceremonies are held every Nov. 11.
