Mural of Tribute

This mural, "Mural of Tribute", by artists Michelle Loughery and Sarah Lindsay, was sponsored and developed by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #167, Lumby. Starting from the left is the most important scene – a soldier kneeling at a cross, marking the final resting place of a fallen comrade. At is feet is the Poppy of Remembrance and the words “Lest We Forget”. Above him is the Red Ensign, Canada’s flag for many years. The rocks symbolize the hardships, sorrows and defeats that had to be overcome on the way to victory. The landing scene has two Second World War fighter planes and a Lancaster bomber of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Beneath them are the landing craft and the corvettes of the Royal Canadian Navy, while in the foreground is a ship of the Merchant Marine. Advancing is a piper that would be leading a file of men into battle. In the centre are First World War soldiers attacking Vimy Ridge. At the top, one can see the Vimy Ridge Memorial. Over the door are the representatives of two of the Women’s Services in the Second World War. Often forgotten is the tremendous contribution to victory by women in both World Wars. To their right is a ruined city, a graphic reminder of the cost and horror of war. Below the city is a mobile Salvation Army canteen, representing all the wonderful fraternal and religious organizations that helped the morale of our service men and women. Above and to the right are two soldiers of the South African War. Finally, at the right of the mural is a Canadian Peacekeeper in his United Nations uniform. Today, Canada is recognized throughout the world as a country that can be counted on. Our service men and women continue to make sacrifices in the efforts of peacekeeping. A dedication ceremony was held for the Memorial Wall on September 9, 2001. Well-known Vernon mural artist Michelle Loughery painted the Memorial Wall mural with assistance from Sarah Lindsay.