The Salute a Veteran banner program is a community-focused initiative that honours the service and sacrifice of local Veterans by displaying large commemorative banners throughout town. Each banner proudly features a veteran’s photograph, name, branch of service, and conflict served in, creating a visible and lasting tribute that raises awareness, fosters remembrance, and engages the entire community in celebrating the contributions of those who served.
As of 2025, there are 86 banners in Harriston and 28 banners in Clifford. The Legion thanks the Town of Minto Public Works department for hanging the banners each year, as well as Legion members for washing and storing the banners between uses.
The Salute a Veteran banner program was first launched by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 in Harriston in 2014 as a way to visibly honour local veterans in the community. The idea grew out of the branch’s desire to recognize veterans by name and face, placing large colourful banners on streetlight poles throughout town as a tribute leading up to Remembrance Day. In its inaugural year, 15 banners were displayed, starting with banners such as one for veteran Donald “Tuffy” MacDougall at a special ceremony during the branch’s 75th anniversary celebration.
Over time, the program expanded beyond its first year and influenced similar banner programs in other communities, helping to build a coast-to-coast tribute movement where local veterans are recognized in their hometowns with permanent, personal banners.
How to sponsor a banner
If you would like to sponsor a Salute a Veteran banner in honour of a local veteran, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 welcomes inquiries from families, friends, and community members. To get started, please contact the branch directly:
Email: legion296@wightman.ca
Phone: (519) 338-2843
When contacting the Legion, please be prepared to share:
- The veteran’s name and service details (if known)
- A photograph suitable for printing
- Your contact information
- Any questions you may have about cost, sponsorship, or banner display dates
A volunteer from the branch will follow up to confirm details, provide guidelines for photos and text, and outline the next steps in the sponsorship process.
Video montage of veteran banners
News articles featuring the banner program at Branch 296
Wellington Advertiser
Salute a Veteran banner program now a coast to coast tribute
HARRISTON – With Remembrance Day fast approaching, many communities will be displaying and honouring veterans with colourful banners on street lamp posts.
Minto assists Legion with expansion of banner program honouring veterans
Minto council has approved purchase and installation of banner arms to facilitate the expansion of the Harriston Legion’s veterans commemorative banner program.
Harriston Legion launches banner campaign at 75th anniversary celebration
A banner commemorating one of the town’s best-known veterans, Donald “Tuffy” MacDougall, was unveiled at a 75th anniversary celebration for Harriston Legion Branch 296 on Aug. 16.
CBC’s Wei Chen interviews Gary Thackeray about Salute a Veteran Banners
CBC News
Harriston banners say ‘thank you’ to local war veterans
They say everybody knows everybody in a small town. In Harriston, they’re trying hard not forget.
The rural Southwestern Ontario community has lined its main street with 30 banners, each honouring a different local war veteran.
The small town of Harriston Ontario has come up with a unique way to say ‘thank you’ to its local war veterans. (From the Morning Edition, KW)
CTV News
Banners honouring veterans flying high in Harriston
There’s something new dotting Harriston’s skyline – but for those who live there, it’s also something familiar.
“They’re familiar guys. I knew a lot of them as I was growing up,” says Doug Davie, who owns an antiques store in the community’s downtown.