Fern Zoeteman of Pearce examines the ‘Legacy of Alberta’ bronze during the dedication ceremony at the Lethbridge and District Exhibition. Photo by Ian Martens.
A new bronze statue pays tribute to the Canadian artillery crews of World War One.
Legacy of Alberta by local artist Don Toney was unveiled May 7 at the Lethbridge and District Exhibition’s South Pavilion.
“This project celebrates the rich Alberta artillery heritage and, in doing so, honours the service, commitment and sacrifice of the gunners throughout Alberta,” said Glenn Miller, president of Lethbridge United Services Institute.
“The statue pays tributes to their contributions to Canada, and ensures their stories live on through time.”
The bronze statue commemorates the contributions of veterans from Alberta and Lethbridge as an artillery city during World War One.
The statue is modelled after the last gun to fire in World War One 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.
The statue was installed at Lethbridge and District Exhibition to recognize the artillery units that first trained on the grounds.
Trees that grew on the grounds where the artillery trained were used to construct the base for the statue.
“Lethbridge and District Exhibition is proud to honour our historic roots that span over 125 years to our military origins,” said Mike Warkentin, chief executive officer of Lethbridge and 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.”
Dignitaries at the unveiling included guest of honour Patrick Van Gheel, ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Canada.
Van Gheel reflected on the important role Canadian soldiers played in liberating his country, noting the 39th Battery entered Mons on the final day of World War One.
“Belgium will never forget the sacrifices of the Canadian soldiers to liberate our country,” Van Gheel said during the ceremony.
Lethbridge East MLA Nathan Neudorf brought greetings on behalf of the premier and government.
“It’s exciting to see such a beautiful statue that acknowledges and pays tribute to those who fought in World War One, also known as the Great War,” Neudorf said.
Neudorf said the statue also pays tribute to the role Lethbridge and southern Alberta played in World War One as a training centre.
The event showcased artillery artifacts provided by descendants of veterans as well as a special Belgium flag that flew on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice at City Hall from the City of Mons, Belgium.
Miller said the statue is a key to unlocking more of the military history of Lethbridge and southern Alberta.
“There are more voices to be heard,” Miller said.
The project received support 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.
