ESTEVAN — The Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch recognized its members during its annual Vimy Awards Night on April 16.
The event helped commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which occurred from April 9-12, 1917.
The night started with a minute of silence in memory of fallen soldiers and a prayer, followed by a festive supper. After that, past-presidents Troy LeBlanc and Lyle Dukart presented the awards to legion members for years of service and their commitment to the organization.
To open the ceremony, LeBlanc read letters from Estevan MLA Lori Carr and the city council members, who were unable to be at the event due to other commitments including the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association's convention taking place in Saskatoon.
"I would like to thank the Estevan legion for continuing the tradition of honouring this battle and those lost, not only during Vimy Ridge but remembering those who had fallen in protecting our freedom in all of the wars and conflicts since," Carr said in her letter.
"Congratulations to all tonight's award winners. Your contribution to our community does not go unnoticed. Our great province would not be what it is today if it were not for the sacrifices made by our military. Myself along with the Government of Saskatchewan would like to thank you all for all that you do to remember this momentous event and recognize those who continue to do selfless work at the Estevan legion."
"We'd like to thank the Estevan legion for your efforts in supporting this very special event. Your heart goes out to those involved and that have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we are able to enjoy the freedoms they fought for," said city council.
Captain Craig Bird, the South East Military Museum founder and director, talked to guests about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the involvement from the southeast and the entire province.
The night proceeded with the awards ceremony. Lyle Dukart presented Kenneth Turner with a 55-years-of-service award and Bill Kapiczowski with a 50-year medal. Other 50-year medal recipients for this year were Lorne Densley, Tom McDonald and Larry Preddy, but they were unable to attend.
Regina Rooks received a 45-year award; Pat Schmunk, Marjorie Fowler, Wayne Ross and David Preikshot were recognized for 40 years; and Berva Kolke and Ronald Schlapkohl were celebrated for 35 years of service.
Bonnie Bachorcik-Proven, Patricia Shaw, David Wanner and Grant Brinkworth received 30 years awards, while Ronald Maley, Darlene Rieland and Roger Slager were recognized for 25 years of service. Christopher Wright received a 20-year award; Shirley Brandon was recognized for 15 years of service; Suzanne McNabb for 10 years of service; and Darcy Gunnlaugson, Lorna Lachambre and Peter Perrault were recognized for five years of service.
Bernice Forrest was also presented with a 10-years-of-service award.
This year the Estevan legion was also asked to decide on who they wanted to recognize as the Legionnaire of the Year.
"This year is the first time that it has been pushed back down to the branch level that the branch can present this award. And there's one person that came to mind automatically when it was announced. We felt that the person who does so much for this branch should receive this honour," LeBlanc explained.
The first-ever Estevan branch Legionnaire of the Year Award was presented to Dianne Allen, who accepted it with tears in her eyes and a standing ovation from the public.
The legion also recognized Leonard Grube, Quinton Dosch and Mel Murray with Branch Service Medals.
Certificates of Merit were presented to members who go above and beyond in doing things to make the Estevan branch run. This year's recipients were Roberta DeRosier, Sherry Dukart, Tyson Wilhelm, Mark Panteluk and Murray. A media award was handed to Golden West Broadcasting representative Linda Bartschat.
The legion also recognized their executive officers, past and present, for their service. Branch officer medals were issued for chaplains Jaclyn Wynne and Geoff Thiessen and executive committee members Murray, Bird, Angela Clements, Gloria Leitch, Al Peterson, Allan Gervais, George Kingdon, Terry Torgunrud, Bob Wilhelm, Alroy Yoner, Ryan Fleck and Dosch. Other members recognized with medals were secretary Bernice Forrest, sports officer John Greenhough, service officer Collen Jensen, sergeant-at-arms Cort Barker, treasurer Grube, first vice Tyson Wilhelm, second vice Willie Forrest and members Lyle Dukart and Jim (Frosty) Forrest.
