ATHABASCA – Many remember the mural that used to sit on the south wall of Athabasca’s Royal Canadian Legion.
Painted in November 1999, it depicted veterans from all eras, including Vimy Ridge, and the iconic Blue Berets worn by United Nations Peacekeepers all over the world. But five years ago, the Legion made the choice to remove it, feeling that the cracked and peeling paint was “disrespectful” to the memories of the vets.
Jackie Jonk, president of the Athabasca branch, who’s now leading a charge to have a new mural added to the wall, said she can still recall the public protests when they chose to have the original sandblasted.
“I must have gotten at least a 100 phone calls from people, all asking ‘Why would you take it down?’” she said, before explaining that “ … as an organization that honours veterans, we couldn’t, in good conscience, leave it in the state that is was in.”
While the original plan would have seen a new mural in place already, the COVID-19 pandemic required a change in priorities, and efforts to fundraise are just now restarting.
“I’ve been going around to canvass at different businesses in town, asking for either donations for the silent auction, or a direct financial donation,” said Jonk.
The auction will run until May 27, and features a variety of items, including wireless Bluetooth speakers, a leather jacket, and a “self-care” package that includes many things one may find at a spa.
Like many Canadians, members of Jonk’s family served in the armed forces, including her father and uncle, who were both members of the Royal Canadian Navy. When asked why it was important to reconstruct the mural, she paused for a moment.
“It’s to memorialize those who came before us, those who built our Legion, those who have served, those who have passed, and those who will carry on,” she said.
The new mural will be done by Judy Gauthier, while Dennis Jacobs painted the original, and will be done on four-by-four foot squares that will be attached to the wall. While Jonk wouldn’t elaborate on the new mural, wanting to keep it a surprise, she did say that the corners were going to be done up in the style of “old-time” photos, and that they are hoping to have the new mural up on the wall within the next two years.
For further information, contact Jonk at 780-213-4006, and donations can be dropped off during the regular Legion hours of operation.
