Ron Smith, president of Harriston Branch 296 of the Royal Canadian Legion, believes Clifford’s veterans deserve recognition too.
Smith was at council recently to tell councillors about the May 3 dedication ceremony of Mill Street, in Harriston, as Veteran’s Way.
Smith said that about a year ago, he was at council asking to have a street dedicated in memory of Harriston’s veterans. Now, he said, he was there to see that Clifford veterans receive that same respect.
The original idea was to have Allan Street West, in front of the Clifford Cenotaph. Since then, officials learned that street is actually a Wellington County road.
“It may alter the request,” Smith said.
He pointed out that Clifford never had a Royal Canadian Legion Branch and that many Clifford veterans were founding members of the Harriston branch.
However, local citizens and the former village of Clifford helped to raise funds for a local cenotaph in that community.
Each year, the Harriston Legion is involved in ceremonies at the cenotaphs in both communities.
Smith said that with the coming dedication ceremony in Harriston and the one last year in Palmerston, “We felt it is only right that Clifford veterans deserve the same recognition as those in Harriston and Palmerston.”
While the issue of a street being a county road might be factor in what happens next, Smith said there are numerous examples of county roads that have received similar dedications. He noted efforts to dedicate part of Highway 21 between Goderich and Kincardine.
If the dedication of Allan Street cannot happen, Smith said the Legion is willing to look at alternatives.
“We’d still like Allen Street West, if it is possible,” he said.
Mayor David Anderson said council could provide written endorsement of the Legion request – although he said council could not speak on the county’s behalf.
Councillor Rick Hembly asked for clarification that it is just a dedication of the street – and not changing the name of it.
“I can’t see a problem unless the street was actually going to be renamed,” Hembly said.
Council’s resolution endorsed the dedication of Allan Street West as “Allan Street West – Veteran’s Way – Lest We Forget.”
Smith extended an invitation to councillors for the Harriston Street dedication ceremony at 11am on May 3.
