Decorative crosswalks to pay tribute to veterans could be popping up around Chatham-Kent if a councillor has his way.
Councillor Anthony Ceccacci will bring a motion to council at the meeting on November 27, 2023 to gather support for painted crosswalks dedicated to veterans to recognize their sacrifice and thank them for their service.
Ceccacci told CK News Today it's a nice way to remember the veterans who are dwindling in numbers.
"I think it's important to do what we can to recognize those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and having decorative crosswalks is an effective way to recognize our veterans and it's something the municipality can do in a cost-affective manner," said Ceccacci.
Ceccacci said the crosswalks could be in place year round if that's the will of council and the public, and could be prominent at several high profile and historically significant locations, such as near Legions and Cenotaphs across the municipality.
"There's not a lot of veterans left from some of the early wars. So, I think it would be very beneficial for them to see these types of things. Although it's not something major, it is something to say thank you," he said.
Ceccacci is hopeful the motion passes November 27 and the process can begin soon after.
He emphasized whatever design is developed for the veterans crosswalk, it must be tactful and respectful of all military customs and traditions, adding Legions and historians will be consulted about the design.
"At the end of the day, the most important thing is that we do this in a collaborative and respectful way that's not going to have any type of potential negative outcomes," Ceccacci noted.
Ceccacci welcomes community members and groups, such as Legions, to get involved in the process, either by sponsoring or otherwise.
He said he's been thinking about this issue for a while, adding 12-15 residents reached out to him this year about the idea.
Ceccacci said he wants it done right and doesn't want the process rushed.
He also hopes the decorative veterans crosswalks catch on in other communities.
