A second veterans memorial crosswalk is being planned for Perth, building on the success of a similar tribute outside the Crystal Palace.
Don Rideout is once again leading the crosswalk charge. This time the tribute will be installed near the main entrance of the Perth site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital.
Rideout’s first crosswalk quickly became a recognizable downtown memorial, honouring veterans past and present, emblazoned with the words “Lest We Forget.”
After its completion, residents began asking what Rideout would take on next.
Several possible locations were considered before the hospital’s main entrance was selected. The new crosswalk will use the same design as the Crystal Palace tribute.
The location will connect the project with the hospital’s annual Remembrance Day display, which includes thousands of handmade poppies cascading down the outside of the building.
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation CEO Margo Hallam says the display began in 2018 with help from hundreds of volunteers.
The poppy display has continued to expand, with additional sections being added around the hospital. Its location near the cenotaph has also made the site a gathering point during the Remembrance Day period.
Rideout says the crosswalk is intended to show veterans entering the hospital that their service and sacrifices remain important to the community.
Hallam says the project may also encourage younger residents to learn about veterans, visit the display and attend local Remembrance Day ceremonies.
A completion date has not been announced. Rideout has contacted the company that created the first crosswalk and plans to fund the project through donations from businesses and community members. More on that as information becomes available.
