Military banners have popped up in numerous communities across Manitoulin, thanks to a local senior. The concept originated in Little Current with 83-year-old Legion member Linda Bowerman. Bowerman came up with the idea in 2019 after the Town of Espanola posted photos of a similar concept on social media. “My daughter said, ‘Mom, I think this is a project you could do.’ So, I thought about it, and I had just lost my husband the year before. And, you know, life was different,” she said. “So my dream was that every community on the Island would have them.” A move and COVID-19 delayed the project until 2022, when the first banners were erected in Little Current. After getting permission from the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Bowerman began contacting area residents who she knew had a loved one who served. She also began fundraising through the Legion to help offset the cost for families looking to purchase a banner. Heather Hutchinson’s father, Leonard George Campbell, is one of the names on the banners. He was a corporal who was enlisted to serve in the Second World War at age 22. “My dad would write letters regularly to my grandmother. Airmail letters. And they always wrote from somewhere in Europe. He was never allowed to say,” Hutchinson said. She said she always enjoys seeing her father’s banner. “It’s so amazing when every time I drive by the pole, I’m really proud,” Hutchinson said. “I sent a picture of him the other day to my sister and brother. Just saying ‘that’s our beautiful dad.’” Bowerman said in Little Current alone, there are 82 military banners, with some in store windows. The banners include those who have served and those who are currently serving. Expanded across Manitoulin The initiative has expanded to numerous communities, including Mindemoya, Gore Bay, Tehkummah, South Baymouth and Sheguiandah. Karlene Scott helped bring the initiative to Mindemoya. Scott said it’s important for future generations to understand history. “My dad was in the army years ago, and there are so many people here in Mindemoya, too, that it’s just such an overwhelming, wonderful thing to do to honour people that served,” she said. “We need to keep history alive.” Bowerman has been a part of the Legion for more than two decades. In 2013, she received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for her efforts in the community. With lifelong connections to the military through family and friends, she said the project is a great way to honour them. “We don’t remember our veterans as much as we should. I think we should honour them every day,” Bowerman said.
