For 8 years, Jan Diehl, a resident of Martensville, Saskatchewan, has decorated her lawn especially for Remembrance Day.
I also decorate my lawn for Christmas and Halloween
she said. I told myself that this is what was missing on other people’s lawns.
Jan Diehl begins preparing for Memorial Day after Halloween. She says the idea behind the decoration is to remind people to slow down and honor a day that is often lost in the shuffle of major holidays.
They often forget the reason we are free
she said.
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Decorations on Jan Diehl’s lawn in Martensville.
Photo : CBC/Travis Reddaway
Jan Diehl says since it’s often difficult to find Remembrance Day decorations in stores, she does everything herself.
Its decorations include poppies and the Canadian flag, as well as artifacts, such as photos and letters, to tell the story of the soldiers who fought in Afghanistan.
In memory of veterans
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An array of photos of veterans and their biographies are placed on the partition in Jan Diehl’s courtyard.
Photo : CBC/Travis Reddaway
Jan Diehl’s personal initiative turned into a commitment to salute the courage of local veterans.
During COVID-19, residents of Sherbrooke Homes long-term care center who are veterans came here in wheelchairs
she says. They shook my hand and thanked me for doing that.
Jan Diehl wants to continue to honor the history of the Canadian army. She adds that many of her neighbors and their children come to look at her decorations and express their interest in history.
With information from Sarah Onyango
Canada
