30-06-2025
Canada Day Spirit Shines: London, Ont. couple inspiring tribute amid dementia battle
Belmont area couple create large tribute to Canada in front of their home ahead of Canada Day celebrations.
A London, Ontario couple has created a large display for the nation's birthday amidst a personal battle with dementia.
The patriotic efforts of Barbara Armstrong and Albert Bernhardt are appreciated by passersby on Westminster Drive, east of Highbury Avenue.
This year's display is the largest ever.
'I think everybody, especially this year, should be celebrating being Canadian,' Barbara told CTV News London.
The display is a reflection, not only of love for country but also of an actual love story.
It began 25 years ago in Canada's north. Barbara was on a work contract in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, where she met Albert, and the two fell in love.
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Barbara Armstrong and Albert Bernhardt on their wedding day.
After a decade in the north, they returned to Barbara's hometown of London.
Life was good until Albert was diagnosed with dementia three years ago.
'I'm glad she's with me,' Albert told CTV News.
For a time, Albert helped put up the displays, but then dementia took its grip.
'Every day, I lose a piece of what I have of him. It's awful', Barbara explained with emotion.
That loss includes the annual display of national pride. Canada Day 2025 will be the couple's final display as Albert transitions into long-term care.
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This year's display by Barbara Armstrong and Albert Bernhardt is the largest ever to celebrate Canada Day in London. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
Yet, before Albert moves, Barbara said dementia has allowed him to experience the nation's 148th birthday daily.
'He sees it fresh every day, which is a beautiful thing.'
'I do like it, I mean, I was born Canadian,' said Albert, whose first home was in an Innu community on Victoria Island, N.W.T.
'We need more joy in the world,' affirmed Barbara. 'And if it happens by celebrating our great country, then so be it,' she said, as she turned to centre a Canadian flag prominently centred in their roadside display.
