Heritage Society adds new veteran banners

Stayner Heritage Society has added 12 new banners to its collection honouring Clearview Township veterans in time for Remembrance Day.
The veteran street banner project launched last year honouring 26 men and one woman who served in the First and Second World Wars, several of whom returned home after the war and made important contributions to the community. Many of the names are still prominent in the community today and have familial ties to current residents.
The initiative stemmed from a passion project of Stayner resident Tom Scholte. 
He said with the pandemic, the Stayner Heritage Society hasn’t been meeting this year but he knew that the second phase of the banner project was worth doing, as it has been very well received by the community.
“We thought, this is something we have to do,” said Scholte, of the banner committee including Myrna Johnson and Barb Stransky.
Normally, there would be a dedication ceremony for the new banners, but that can’t happen this year. Stayner Heritage Society has also been forced to cancel its annual Remembrance Day programming, but hope to bring it back next year.
Scholte said this year, they are turning their thoughts to all of the frontline workers who are serving our country as part of a different kind of army – one of service and healthcare workers.
The project is growing by word-of-mouth or by request of veterans’ families who submit photos.
“People will see the banners and remember they had a loved one who served, and they bring it to our attention,” said Scholte.
He said the project is evolving and as new names are added, the banners can be rotated out year by year.
The banners are paid for through fundraising and membership dues, but also by donations from the families of featured veterans on a volunteer basis.
“Hopefully it will continue to evolve,” said Scholte.
Visit www.staynerheritagesociety.com.

2020 banner inductees 

Cartney Forgie, RCAF WWII
David J. Phillips, Army WWII
Donald Blackstock, Army WWII
Elvie Peters, Army WWII
Fancis M. Huish, Army WWII
Jack McFarlane, RCAF WWII
Joseph Spiker, Army WWII
Lloyd McCartney, RCAF WWII
Neal D Barnhardt, RCAF WWII
Rodger Brockwell, Army
Roy L. Cramp, RCAF WWII
Stan Cranston, RAF WWI