Joe Green was honoured to have been asked to lobby Edmonton City Hall to rename the bridge located in Rundle Park after their late, soon to be, son in law. These efforts, these tireless efforts, were driven by the steadfast commitment of the Van Sloten family to honour the life of Ainsworth Dyer who was killed on 17 April, 2002 while serving in Afghanistan. “There are simply no words to express the sheer love I have for this family. I refer to Janna and Aart as ‘Mum and Pops’, simply because I have grown that close to them. I love them immensely and I wish I could spend more time with them as they personify the level of class, grace and dignity found within many families who are involved with the Canadian Armed Forces. Duty is a strong thread within the family as they are Dutch and truly take to heart and soul, ensuring, in typical Dutch form, sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers are honoured in perpetuity. I’m beyond proud that I was asked to help in this effort. I really am. I’m proud of Edmonton for their support for the military and I’m glad they embraced this vision. Every year, on November 11th, the Van Sloten family hosts a memorial event at the bridge to lay crosses in memory of every Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. Its become by default where the Afghanistan memorial on Remembrance Day happens. God I love this family.” 

Green’s Speech to Edmonton City Council