Flags of Remembrance near Sylvan Lake honours veterans, first responders
Published 12:32 pm Saturday, September 19, 2026
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Nearly 300 flags are now flying along Highway 11 by Sylvan Lake as a tribute to Canadian military members and first responders who were killed or listed as missing in action.
Veterans Voices of Canada hosted its 12th annual Flags of Remembrance ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 19. There are 128 flags on each side of the highway, representing the 128,000 Canadians killed or missing in action.
“This is a visual reminder of remembrance,” said Al Cameron, Veteran Voices of Canada founder and CEO.
“Everybody thinks of remembrance as November 11 or looks at November as the Month of Remembrance. For us, remembrance is every day of the year. … You get 25,000 people driving past these flags every day. It’s definitely making a difference and makes people think and remember.”
The flags will remain up until Nov. 12.
“Each one of these flag poles has a plaque of honour with the name of a past or present military member or first responder acting as the guardian of 1,000 souls,” said Cameron.
Red Deer County Mayor Brent Ramsay spoke during the ceremony.
“The Flags of Remembrance always creates such a powerful display of remembrance for our community,” said Ramsay.
“These flags remind us of how the freedoms we value never come without sacrifice. There has been so much uncertainty and conflict in our world recently. It’s more important than ever that we take time to reflect and honour our veterans and those who protect and keep us safe. Their service and sacrifices must not be forgotten.”
Also speaking during the ceremony was Dustin Greff, brother of Master Cpl. Byron Greff, the last Canadian soldier killed in the Afghanistan war.
“Our peace and freedom in Canada is due to the service of thousands of men and women who give themselves … to a cause greater than themselves. In doing so they keep our country strong and free,” said Dustin Greff.
“I’m deeply grateful to all of them. They deserve the respect and recognition (the Flags of Remembrance) brings front and centre leading up to Remembrance Day.”
For more information on Veterans Voice of Canada, visit www.vetvoicecan.org.