A new, permanent installation, that recognizes and remembers the contributions of veterans from across Alberta and Lethbridge as an artillery city during the first world war, is being unveiled by The Lethbridge United Services Institute this weekend.
The bronze statue, created by local artist Don Toney and a permanent installation at Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s venue, is modelled after the last gun to fire in WWI from the Lethbridge 39th Battery. It shows 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.
“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.
The official dedication is taking place at 11am on May 7, at Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s South Pavilion. The ceremony will welcome a some special dignitaries, including guest of honour His Excellency, Patrick Van Gheel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Canada.
The ceremony will be live-streamed starting at 11 a.m. on Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s Facebook Page.