09/09/2026
Unveiling the New Crosswalk in Fort St. James
On September 9th, 2026, in the heart of Fort St. James, B.C., a gathering of approximately 40 individuals, including council members, fire rescue, RCMP, search and rescue teams, and local veterans, came together to unveil the new crosswalk installed by Fort St. James Public Works the previous week. For those unable to attend, I am pleased to share the speeches from local veterans Marylou Fonda and Frank Coutu.
Speech by Marylou
“We gather here today to honor our Veterans on the unceded Traditional Territory of Nak'azdli Whut'en. Every Veteran throughout history has signed a blank cheque to our country, pledging to serve and protect. The crosswalk we stand before today echoes the words, ‘All gave some, some gave all.’ It is fitting that we unveil this during the 100th anniversary year of the Royal Canadian Legion, which honors, supports, and remembers our Veterans. I would also like to remember our community member and friend, Bruce MacDonald, who would have stood beside me today as a proud Legion member.
I will now read the Act of Remembrance:
‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.’
Lest We Forget!
I now hand over to Frank, a local Veteran who initiated this crosswalk with the assistance of Doug from Public Works.”
Speech by Frank
“Today, we gather as a community—neighbors, friends, family, veterans, and first responders—to recognize and honor those who have served our country. This crossing is more than just a place to cross the road; it serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans and their families.
To those who served, those who continue to serve, and those who never returned home, we remember you, we honor you, and we thank you. May every person who crosses this walkway take a moment to reflect on the price of freedom and the individuals who helped protect it. We all gave some; some gave it all.”
Through your feedback on the community page, this is the article that I submitted to the newspaper:
On September 9, 2026, approximately 40 people gathered to unveil The Veterans Crosswalk, installed by Fort St. James Public Works the previous week. The ceremony brought together council members, fire rescue, the RCMP, search and rescue teams, local veterans, families and community members on the unceded Traditional Territory of Nak'azdli Whut'en.
Held during the Royal Canadian Legion's 100th anniversary year, the unveiling was a moving tribute to remembrance, service and sacrifice. Marylou Fonda honoured veterans past and present and remembered community member Bruce MacDonald, whose absence was deeply felt. Her message reflected the crosswalk's purpose: to keep local memories alive and remind residents that those who served were also cherished members of families and communities.
Local veteran Frank Coutu was recognized for initiating the crosswalk with Doug from Public Works. His message emphasized that the crossing is more than a safety feature—it is a daily reminder of the courage, dedication and sacrifice of veterans, their families and those who never returned home.
For Georgina Alexis, the memorial carries both family and personal meaning. Her family’s military history includes her father’s relative, Lance Corporal Alexander Alexis, and her maternal grandfather, Solomon Prince, both of whom served during the Second World War. Their service, she said, is a source of pride and gratitude, and a reminder that Indigenous veterans’ contributions and sacrifices must be recognized and carried forward.
A separate crossing in town carries a deeply personal meaning for Alexis. It is connected to the tragic death of her son, Nolan Alexis, who was 11 when he died on November 4, 2011. The crossing was created as part of an effort to make that area safer and to honour Nolan’s memory. For Alexis, the two crossings represent distinct but connected acts of remembrance—one recognizing veterans and their sacrifices, and the other preserving her son’s memory while helping protect the community.
As residents pass over the painted lines, they are invited to pause—to remember veterans, honour families, recognize service and carry these stories into the future. The unveiling closed with a shared promise that sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Lest we forget.
I would like to personally thank not only Frenchy but Georgina for taking the time talk with me about the subject.
