Online chatter calls for veterans crosswalk in Sault Ste. Marie

While some municipalities in Canada are installing painted crosswalks to celebrate veterans, some people believe a similar idea should be brought to the streets in Sault Ste. Marie.

Earlier this month, a veterans crosswalk in Cochrane, Alberta was painted on an intersection leading up to the cenotaph with white and red stripes, a black silhouette of a soldier and the words 'Lest We Forget.' Similar crosswalks have been painted in communities like Deer Lake, Newfoundland, Stoney Creek, Ontario, as well as CFB Shearwater and CFB Petawawa.

Posts on multiple Sault Ste. Marie Facebook groups note that a similar crosswalk should be installed here.

Although many are in support of a veterans crosswalk being installed in the Sault, some are using that support to call out the city's current Pride crosswalk.

"Better to see that than the LGBT flag. Our veterans provided this freedom for all of us who enjoy it today and crosswalks remind us of their sacrifice," noted one user on the Keeping the Soo Safe EXPLICIT Facebook group.

"Both are actually good. There's nothing wrong with having both," said another user in response, while yet another participant noted there are people who identify as veterans and also celebrate Pride.

"Pretty sure we can assume some 'LGBT' folks are also veterans who fought and gave their lives for us Canadians. Still do! Hate forced them to hide their pride in the closet!"

Some noted the crosswalk could be painted near the cenotaph downtown or on Great Northern Road outside the new legion building.

Regardless of the apparent public support, there is currently no plan from Sault Ste. Marie city council to paint such a crosswalk and it is unlikely one could be operational prior to Monday's Remembrance Day ceremonies.

The 106th National Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held at the GFL Memorial Gardens on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.