Goulds university student Alyssa Byrne placed second in the 2026 Legion National Foundation’s- Youth Remembrance Contest. Her artwork will be on display in Parliament during November. Left is Branch 34 President Bill Hickey presenting Byrne with a certificate. Submitted photo
By Mark Squibb
A piece of art designed by recent St. Kevin’s High School graduate Alyssa Byrne is on display in Canada’s Parliament Building this November as part of a display commemorating those who have served in defense of our country.
The story begins with a different poster that Byrne, now pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Memorial University, created while still a Grade 11 student at St. Kevin’s.
Her design featured three Canadian soldiers of different ages, a Canadian flag, poppies and the word “Remember.” That poster placed second in the provincial Legion poster contest, and Byrne was awarded a trip to France and Belgium to follow the Trail of the Caribou.
“It was a trip of a lifetime,” said Byrne. “It was a moving experience to be there and realize that I was in the place where brave soldiers fought. I feel lucky to have been selected and I cherish the opportunity to have been there.”
Byrne drew inspiration from her trip, and particularly her visit to Beaumont-Hamel, when designing her next Remembrance Day poster.
This poster depicts several soldiers huddled together in a trench. Behind them looms the bronze Beaumont-Hamel Caribou statue. The soldiers are drawn in black and white, a strong contrast to the bright greens and blues of the landscape around them.
“I wanted my poster to reflect how beautiful it was there with the birds singing, the flowers blooming but knowing it had a dark past,” Byrne explained. “I drew the soldiers in a trench with black and white, to symbolize a moment caught in time.”
The artwork placed second in the 2026 Legion National Foundation’s Youth Remembrance Contest, and will be displayed in Parliament during a two-week Remembrance observance period this November. Byrne also received a cash prize.
Byrne, who has been drawing since she was a child, said she is happy the poster will be on display for many to see.
