The Lethbridge United Services Institute Dedicates Legacy of Alberta Statue Recognizing Veterans
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2022
The Lethbridge United Services Institute Dedicates Legacy of Alberta Statue
Recognizing Veterans
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge United Services Institute proudly invites the public to the official dedication ceremony of Legacy of Alberta by local artist Don Toney at Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s South Pavilion on May 7 at 11 a.m. The bronze statue commemorates the contributions of veterans from Alberta and Lethbridge as an Artillery City during WWI. This dedication ceremony will welcome special dignitaries to Lethbridge, including guest of honour His Excellency, Patrick Van Gheel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Canada.
“It is a privilege to have original artillery artifacts on display provided by descendants of veterans. In addition, a special Belgium flag that flew on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice at City Hall from the City of Mons, Belgium will also be featured,” says Glenn Miller, President, Lethbridge United Services Institute.
This statue is modelled after the last gun to fire in WWI from the Lethbridge 39th Battery. The statue depicts a gun detachment of six horses with their drivers towing an ammunition carriage and an 18-pounder field gun as used by the 20th, 39th, 61st and 78th Batteries of Lethbridge. “This project celebrates the rich Alberta artillery heritage and, in doing so, honours the service, commitment and sacrifice of the Gunners throughout Alberta. The statue pays tributes to their contributions to Canada, and ensures their stories live on through time,” says Miller.
The statue will be permanently installed at Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s venue to recognize the Artillery units which first trained on the grounds. “Lethbridge & District Exhibition is proud to honour our historic roots that span over 125 years to our military origins,” explains Mike Warkentin, Chief Executive Officer, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “Our soil was originally home to the artillery during summer training before the Great War, and was activated as a staging area for the units which travelled overseas in both world wars. As we approach our 125th anniversary, we welcome Legacy of Alberta to its rightful home. We invite the community and all guests to our venue to experience this incredible work of art which celebrates our cultural significance in Canadian history.”
The Lethbridge United Services Institute extends thanks to the supporters, donors and sponsors who have brought this project to life. It would not have been possible without contributions from the Veteran Affairs Commemorative Partnership Program, Government of Alberta Community Initiative Program, Legion Poppy Fund, County of Lethbridge, Kruse Glass, National Salvage and the Bearded Ox as they all worked though the challenges of the global pandemic.
The ceremony will be live-streamed starting at 11 a.m. on Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s Facebook Page.
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Media Contacts
WO (ret’d) Glenn Miller CD
President
Lethbridge United Services Institute
(403) 360-6076 | gmiller114@shaw.ca
Mevisha Maistry
Director, Communications and Marketing
Lethbridge & District Exhibition
(780) 691-4956 | Mevisha.Maistry@agrifoodhub.ca
