The almost 250 Okotoks-area men and women who selflessly fought for peace, freedom and democracy during the Second World War were honoured during the unveiling of the town’s newest monument.
Representatives with the Town of Okotoks and Royal Canadian Legion Branch unveiled the Salute to our Veterans installation commemorating the contributions and sacrifices of 210 of those veterans from 1939 to 1945 on a retaining wall along Veterans Way during Alberta Culture Days on Sept. 30.
Marie Wedderburn, president of the Okotoks and District Historical Society, spoke about her father and four uncles who served in that war. Her father John Wedderburn enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was an aero-engine mechanic stationed in Iceland for 14 months.
“My brother and I did not hear about dad’s experiences in Iceland except when someone from the same squadron would come for a visit,” she said. “I do know that dad worked on airplanes that never returned to the base at Reykjavik.”
When the men and women returned home, Wedderburn said most were changed for life whether physically, psychologically or emotionally. Her father had lost his hearing after working inches from the airplane motors.
At that time, Wedderburn said Veterans Way was the only road leading out of Okotoks.
“As we stand here today and as we drive or walk up and down this Veterans Way hill in the coming days and weeks and years, let us pause in our thoughts to remember and to honour their memories by living in harmony with one another in our daily lives,” she said. “This wall will help all of us to remember and to not forget the vital part these people played in our community’s and our country’s history.”
Mayor Bill Robertson said the Okotoks Culture and Heritage team led the approximately $190,000 project, funded by the Town, Veterans Affairs and Okotoks and District Historical Society, which was constructed over the summer months.
Robertson said room remains on the monument to later commemorate those who served in other conflicts including the First World War, the Korean War and peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan.
“This wall serves as an important tribute that will help people understand the sacrifices made by past generations,” he said. “This memorial also presents the opportunity for the public to learn a little bit more about Okotoks and the people that helped build this great community. Events like these are incredibly important as they help us to proudly display our pride in Okotoks and allow us to honour the incredible strength and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Following the dedication ceremony, which included the Legion colour party, singing of O Canada by Brettyn Rose, invocation, the Last Post, moment of silence, consecration and blessing, Okotoks historian Kathy Coutts read excerpts from letters written by soldiers at the front lines and talked about the stress of those who watched loved ones go off to war. She said in some cases three or four family members served – many leaving as children and returning as men.
Coutts said 13 of them were women, many who didn’t serve overseas.
