Official dedication ceremony held for Legacy of Alberta Statue

Lethbridge’s rich artillery history was honoured on Saturday as the Legacy of Alberta bronze statue was officially dedicated.

“Today’s dedication brings the Legacy of Alberta statue home,” said Glenn Miller, Lethbridge United Services Institute president.

The statue is based on the last gun fired in WW1 at the Lethbridge 39th Battery. It depicts six horses and their drivers riding a gun detachment, pulling an ammunition carriage, and an 18-pounder field guns used by the 20th to 39th, 61st, and 78th Batteries.

Donna Reid is a family historian and was delighted to see that the legacy of her great uncles and grandfathers, who were part of the 39th Battalion preserved.

“It really is where it’s meant to be. It’s a part of history and it’s nice to have that recorded,” Reid said.

The bronze statue rests on a wooden base made of harvested trees from Exhibition Park’s artillery training grounds.

Don Toney spent almost two years creating the statue. He saidIt tested his 40-year-old skill set.

“It was so challenging, especially working on the cannon with all its components,” said Toney.

His Excellency Patrick Van Gheel (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Canada), attended the ceremony. This was his first official day on a five day visit to Canada.

He highlighted the efforts of Canadian forces at the end of WW1 on November 11, 1918, during the Battle of Mons — a fight that freed Belgium from German occupation.

“Belgium will never forget the sacrifices of the Canadian soldiers to liberate our country,” said Ambassador Van Gheel.

“Our freedom does come with sacrifice. We see it nowadays unfortunately with what’s going on with the new war in Europe.”

Miller said that the statue was one of many examples of what he hopes to be an ongoing education program on Canadian history.

“For future generations, it is hoped we can continue to discover even more of the rich military history from Lethbridge,” said Miller.

The statue is now a permanent feature at Lethbridge & District Exhibition.