News release
For immediate release
The Memorial Banner program in Esquimalt is open for 2026
ESQUIMALT, BC—The Memorial Banner program in Esquimalt is entering its sixth year and sales are open for 2026 banners.
Banners honour the memory of veterans and are displayed on main Esquimalt roads in November. The personalized banners feature a loved one’s name and military service information on a remembrance-themed design. Members of the public—including outside Esquimalt— are invited to purchase a banner before the September 9 deadline. The banners are sold on a cost-recovery basis and are printed locally. The banners are returned to the owner after three years for families to have as a keepsake.
“My father was throughout his life so very proud to have served in the Navy. I felt having this memorialized on a banner was a fitting way to honour him,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “Every family has a story, and it’s very heartwarming to see the banners and hear the families’ connections to the program. We hope to see continued community support long into the future.”
Public response has highlighted the meaningful nature of the project:
“My wife's side of the family have been residents of Esquimalt for over a century, and this program allowed them to publicly remember those family members who served God, King and Country in both peace and war.“-resident
“I must tell you how meaningful the banner program has been for my family. As we approached November each year, we anxiously awaited the banners going up and went out of our way to drive past them as often as possible. We felt it was a real honour for some very special members of our family who we miss greatly. Thank you to the Township for making the program possible.”- resident
Sixty-four banners have been purchased by community members since the program's launch in 2021. Council initiated the project in 2019 and staff launched it after pandemic-related delays.
Sales for 2026 close on September 9. Due to the number of available spaces, there were a limited number of banners available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Details are at Esquimalt.ca/banners.
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Media contact
Tara Zajac
Manager of Communications
tara.zajac@esquimalt.ca
