New mural at Grimsby Museum honours Veterans and their stories of service

Permanent public artwork creates a lasting tribute to courage, sacrifice and remembrance.

A new permanent mural at the Grimsby Museum is bringing the stories of Canada's Veterans into the public eye, creating a lasting tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Installed just in time for Remembrance Day, the mural honours those who have served and continue to serve Canada, with special recognition of the individuals and families whose stories are woven into Grimsby's history.

Located on the southeast exterior wall of the Museum, adjacent to the Grimsby Cenotaph, the artwork creates a meaningful space for residents and visitors to pause, reflect and remember.

Created by St. Catharines-based artist Andrii Palval, the mural was commissioned through the Town's Public Art Program as part of its ongoing commitment to celebrating local history, culture and community identity.

Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, Palval is an accomplished visual artist and muralist whose work spans large-scale public art, portraiture and community projects across Europe and North America. His approach to the mural emphasizes the human stories behind military service and the connection between national history and local remembrance.

The mural builds on the Town's ongoing efforts to recognize local Veterans and preserve their legacy. Recent initiatives include the designation of a portion of Clarke Street as Veterans' Way and the installation of commemorative banners honouring local individuals who served in Canada's military.

Its location at the Grimsby Museum is particularly meaningful. Situated beside the Cenotaph, where the community gathers each November for Remembrance Day, the mural connects the Museum's role in preserving local history with a visible, year-round expression of gratitude and remembrance.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Grimsby Museum to experience the new mural and take a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of Canada's Veterans.

Lest we forget.

About the Artist 

Andrii Palval is a visual artist and muralist based in St. Catharines, Ontario. Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, he began painting in 2001 and has developed an international portfolio of murals, public art commissions and exhibitions across Europe and North America. His work explores the relationship between art, people and the cultural identity of the communities in which it is created.

About the Grimsby Museum

Established in 1984, the Grimsby Museum is owned and operated by the Town of Grimsby and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the community's rich history. Through permanent and rotating exhibitions, educational programs and a collection of approximately 15,000 artifacts, the Museum connects residents and visitors with the people, places and stories that have shaped Grimsby.

Quotes

"Behind every uniform is a story of courage, sacrifice and service, and many of those stories are deeply rooted in our own community. Remembrance extends beyond November 11. This mural is a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today and the importance of keeping those stories alive. We hope it inspires residents and future generations to reflect on our history, honour our Veterans and remember the people behind the uniforms."

- Jeff Jordan, Mayor of the Town of Grimsby

"For me, remembrance begins with recognizing the person behind the uniform: someone who walked these streets, belonged to this community and had loved ones waiting for them. Through this mural, I wanted to honour the courage and dedication of those who have served, remember those who never returned home and recognize the families whose lives have been shaped by their sacrifice. My hope is that it encourages people to share their own family histories, ask questions and carry these important stories forward for generations to come."

- Andrii Palval, Muralist

Media Contact
Christina Davidson
Communications Specialist, Town of Grimsby 
cdavidson@grimsby.ca