Royal Canadian Legion commemorates fallen soldiers

Comrade Don Fish from the McLennan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion proudly displays the poppy plaque that will be placed on Veteran headstones across the Smoky River Region.

Emily Plihal
Smoky River Express

McLennan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has found a way to commemorate our fallen soldiers.

The local group has been eagerly pursuing different avenues to remember our soldiers, and have decided to honour each soldier’s grave stone with a brass poppy.

“We will be putting a brass plaque at the entrance of every cemetery in the region that has a soldier,” says veteran Don Fish. “We will also be identifying the graves of every veteran we’ve had through different wars.”

Six cemeteries in the area are involved in this process, including; McLennan, Girouxville, Donnelly, Guy, Jean Cote and Falher. Fish explains there is presently about 100 Veterans found who are interred in local cemeteries.

“We will be placing a poppy on the upper right hand corner of each fallen soldier’s headstone,” says Fish. “We hope to start prior to June 6 and have complete by Remembrance Day.”

Each grave site was normally marked with a Canadian flag by members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Fish explains with the passing of each year this has become increasingly difficult with members aging, poor weather and loss of members of the Legion.

“It was noted in the Legion supply catalogue that Veteran Headstone Markers (poppy) are now available at the cost of $31.46 each,” explains Fish. “The Legion has formed a committee to purchase sufficient markers for each Veteran grave in the Municipal District of Smoky River #130.”

He says the marker is a brass poppy image that will cost about $50 installed on each veteran site. This applies to all Allied Veterans who have served with the Allied Military and received an Honorable Discharge.

The markers are suitable for epoxy attachment to the grave headstone, and will be attached to the upper right hand corner of every Veteran’s grave.

“Our Legion has obtained the funds from our Alberta & Gaming Commission Casino account to cover the cost of the headstone markers,” says Fox. “The balance of cost will come from Legion funds.”

Last winter, six grave sites were randomly selected and had the proposed poppy installation done with positive success.

Fish says now the Legion members are satisfied with the success of the first six, they will begin their project starting in the town of McLennan.

“Should any family or relative not want the Veteran Recognition Poppy Marker installed they can contact any member of the Legion to ensure their request is honoured,” says Fish.

“Legion #153 realizes the work and cost involvement but the present committee of myself, Comrade John Sobolewski, and Comrade Norma Sobolewski feel it can be accomplished over the next few years. We will now proceed with our ”WE REMEMBER" program at no cost to the communities."

The McLennan chapter of the Royal Canadian Legion will soon be starting their project of displaying poppies on fallen Veteran’s headstones, if you would like more information or to contact a Royal Canadian Legion member, please phone Don Fish at 780-837-0564.

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