The selected date of Tuesday, June 6 by the Loreburn/Elbow branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was all the more appropriate of a day to mark the rededication of Loreburn’s recently-refurbished war memorial cenotaph.
After all, it was the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, when Canadian soldiers landed at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernières during the invasion of German-occupied France during the Second World War.
The anniversary of D-Day and the sacrifices made by Canadian troops were honored in Loreburn, adding to the solemnity of the memorial’s rededication service.
The event was held in the village park under some sunny skies and welcomed close to 140 people, the majority of them being students from Loreburn Central School just down the street, who walked over to the park to participate in the morning program.
Serving as emcee was Joe Sitavanc, President of the Loreburn/Elbow Branch #251, and other special guests in attendance included Sharon Erickson, the Royal Canadian Legion’s zone commander from Moose Jaw, as well as Gord McRae, President of the Legion branch in Davidson, and local MLA for Arm River, Greg Brkich.
However, perhaps the most important guests to have in attendance were two out of the three veterans of World War II who are still members of the Loreburn/Elbow Legion today; Loreburn resident Lyman Peardon and Mistussine resident Father Steve Ripplinger. Unable to attend the ceremony was Robert Taylor, who lives in Saskatoon.
The youths in attendance played a part in rededicating the 90-year old cenotaph, as Loreburn teacher Shauna George led a handbell choir through a performance of “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. As well, six students read the names of the 13 men from Loreburn and area that had fought and died during World War I and II.
Those 13 men, their names inscribed on the memorial, were:
First World War
P. Milhench
H. Abrams
W. Dredge
A. Elliott
A. Gordon
W. Ellison
N.A. Weir
J. Kerney
J.E. Melville
C.M. Muir
G.J.M. Regg
Second World War
R.E. McWilliams
J.R. Ashworth
Ashworth was in fact the first casualty from Loreburn during World War II, who died on June 10, 1944 at the age of 34 as a member of the Regina Rifles regiment.
“It’s because of men like this that we’re able to have our freedoms and celebrate the things that we do today,” said Brkich, as he spoke to those in attendance.
A recording of the Last Post and Reveille was also played, including a moment of silence for a time of reflection.
The village’s war cenotaph dates back to 1927, when veterans of Loreburn wanted to construct something in order to pay tribute to their fallen brothers in arms. Rocks were hauled in and the stone memorial was erected near the old brick schoolhouse.
But wear and tear took its toll on the structure, so a $1200 refurbishment project got underway that was taken care of financially by a grant from Veterans Affairs Canada and the Loreburn/Elbow Legion’s Poppy Trust Fund, as well as the Village of Loreburn.
Repairs on the memorial were done by local residents Andy and May Wong, which included replacing the mortar that had deteriorated over the course of time. The plaques on each side were cleaned and the letters repainted by Sue Ann Abbott.
Looking arguably brand-new today after the work that has been done, the structure now continues to stand as something of a ‘renewed’ symbol of sacrifice and remembrance.
“It’s fitting that we have this cenotaph, recognizing these 13 Loreburn men who didn’t come home,” said Rev. Ursula Wiig, who spoke of the need to continue remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers who have fought and died. “We also want to dedicate ourselves to making a better world.”
Following the ceremony, a potluck lunch was held at Loreburn’s Town & Country Centre, which included a special Canada 150 cake with blueberries, strawberries and blackberries, made for the event by Andy and Jason Wong.
Loreburn’s war memorial reads on one side: “In proud and grateful remembrance of the men and women of Loreburn and district who gave and sacrificed in the hour of the empire’s need.”
Today, with the restoration of the cenotaph and the memorable program recognizing the sacrifices made by troops, residents in Loreburn and the surrounding area have all the more reason to be proud and grateful as they take the time to remember.
