ESTEVAN - Remembrance Day was a busy one this year for the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
In addition to hosting the city's annual Remembrance Day service, the legion held a dedication ceremony for a new plaque at the city's cenotaph, with approximately 30 people in attendance.
The new plaque, which faces to the southwest, has 38 names, including 27 from the First World War, 10 from the Second World War and one from the Afghanistan War.
Craig Bird, who is a member of the Estevan legion and the president of the South East Military Museum, said he noticed through his research that there were names missing that should have been on the cenotaph.
"We're losing a lot of our veterans over the years, so I think it's important that we keep their memory alive by commemorating them and commemorating their service," said Bird.
Also, many young people don't know a lot about Canada's military history and what veterans have done, so the second plaque was added to the cenotaph.
Estevan branch president Jim (Frosty) Forrest and Royal Canadian Navy Chief Petty Officer Second Class Duane Gall placed a wreath below the new plaque. Gall was the guest speaker at this year's Remembrance Day service in Estevan.
Between the two plaques, there are now 99 names from the First World War, 51 from the Second World War, and one each from Afghanistan and Korea at the cenotaph.
Bird expressed his thanks to the City and RM of Estevan for providing support for the latest initiative, and to the National Wall of Remembrance Association and the Department of Veterans' Affairs commemorative partnership program for providing grants. Bird noted they also had support from private donors and sponsors. The support covered the estimated cost of $11,000 for the plaque and another new plaque at the legion.
He noted the museum has also taken on the veterans' banners project, with banners hanging from streetlight posts in Estevan and 11 other communities in the southeast. More communities are added each year.
Bird was also active with Remembrance Day services in the community. Most of them were through elementary schools.
"I think it's important that the kids realize what happens on Remembrance Day, why we do Remembrance Day and to make sure that those veterans aren't forgotten," said Bird.
