Eight veterans of the Second World War were singled out for a specific honour on Sunday afternoon during the annual Poppy Tea in the Legion Hall.
A couple of others will receive the pin and certificate at a later date while three others who were nominated for the award a few months ago, were honoured posthumously, said Lyle Dukart, one of the co-ordinators of the program for the Estevan Legion Branch No. 60.
“Unfortunately three of the honourees passed away just recently,” said Dukart, referring to Richard Kawicki, Frank Kovacs and Peter Wock. Family members were present at the tea to accept the pin. Erling Rothe, Jim Spenst, Ralph Steinke and Bill Batt were unable to attend. Steinke’s family members were on hand to accept the pin on his behalf. The others will be presented with the pin later.
The pin recognizes the fact these veterans served Canada in an allied uniform between 1939 and 1945. The pin, embossed with a large V, notes that Canada will be tracking significant milestones of the Second World War on their 75th anniversary. The tracking began in 2014 and will continue through to 2020.
Those attending the tea on Sunday and receiving their pins in person among friends and family were Joe Gervais, Ed Leadley, Ken Raine, Joe Martin, John Fowler, Louis Bourquin, Bob Larter and Ed Tafelmeyer.
