The Legion honoured their own, recognizing the many years of service from Yorkton veterans Comrade Peter Wyatt and Cmrd. Ed St. Pierre. After the opening ceremonies, the awards were presented, followed by the ceremonial colour guard.
Wyatt was characteristically humble. Though honoured to receive the recognition, he was in shock.
“I know the procedure, and of course I said ‘No, I don’t think I’m qualified’, but I’m gonna go and do it -- I didn’t think they’d accept my qualifications.
“It happened! So I really need to thank everyone, and I also want to thank people I have worked with through many years and it was really enjoyable [working with] all our veterans.
“One of the things is, when you’re a veteran, when I first got involved in ‘99, [at] the Legion I was carrying the colours, and Mike Mignock was the Sargeant At Arms. We used to go to the schools, and at that time, everybody in the colour party was a war veteran.
“We were always asked to say a few words in front of the class, and I started off saying, ‘Well, I’m not a real veteran,’ because [I felt] it was peace time, and Mike Mignock gave me hell. He said, ‘Hey! You’re not supposed to say that! You are a veteran!’ So I accepted that I’m a veteran, and I’m [honoured] to accept this life membership. I thank you all very much.”
Comrade Ed St. Pierre was also humbled.
“I would just like to thank the Legion for my participation, and I’ve been treated well. I’ve enjoyed being a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. I’m quite active in the community, and I was in Regina for a meeting up there. They keep you going! It keeps me active, I guess. I’m always involved and I like being involved. This is why I strive for the betterment of the people in general.”
