They took a version of the Canadian Red Ensign (the flag that represented Canada before the current maple leaf design), circa the period of the Great War, and had their photo taken at various places along the pilgrimage... Menin Gate Memorial (Ypres, Belgium), Hill 70 (Lens, France), Passchendaele, Belgium, St. Julien Memorial – The Brooding Soldier (Saint Julien, Belgium), Canadian Corps Artillery Memorial (Thelus, France), and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial (Vimy, France). Other items displayed in the shadow box were a postcard, pin, and coin commemorating the 100th anniversary (two of the coins were included to show both sides of the coin), and a small version of the Canadian Red Ensign, which was hand-stitched to a background of red suede matboard.

The customer already had a frame that he wanted to use, so the design was created to fit into the existing frame. Although you can’t tell from the photo of the shadow box, the items were floated at various levels to give a 3D look to the design. Tru Vue’s conservation clear glass was chosen for its 99% UV protection.

It was an honour to work on this framing project and I’m sure the nephew will treasure this keepsake of the amazing pilgrimage that he and his uncle experienced.