The Estevan Soldiers’ Tree committee continues to make progress in its effort to have the tree added to downtown Estevan.
Several committee members attended Estevan city council’s meeting on Monday night to seek a donation for the project. Geoff Thiessen, who is the senior pastor at the Estevan Church of God and a retired member of the Canadian Army, spoke to council about the monument.
He noted that the Soldiers’ Tree is a 20-foot tall carving into a 100-year-old cottonwood tree that is currently located southwest of Estevan. When the tree is complete, it will depict military personnel from the Second World War and it will emphasize the South Saskatchewan Regiment, which was based out of Estevan during the war.
“Upon completion, the monument will be moved to the south side of the courthouse … in the vicinity of the cenotaph,” said Thiessen.
It will also be surrounded by silhouettes depicting various battles that Canadians fought in, and two carved benches which will depict servicemen standing guard at each end.
A dedication will take place on Sept. 10, with a parade from the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch to the monument. The parade will include the Legion colour party, a pipe band, veterans, cadets and Second World War vehicles. A 100-soldier guard is also in the works.
“As the parade makes its way to the monument, there will be a fly-by by two World War II aircrafts: a Harvard Trainer and a Spitfire Fighter,” said Thiessen.
Darren Jones, a sculptor from Rimbey, Alberta, who has worked in the southeast Saskatchewan oilpatch as a directional driller, carved the tree using a chainsaw. He completed most of the project last year, and he will be returning to the southeast in a couple of weeks to apply the finishing touches.
The provincial government has given the committee permission to have the tree located next to the cenotaph, which is on the grounds of the Estevan Courthouse.
The committee has also created an acting mascot for the project. Captain Canada is a beaver that Jones created using his chainsaw. The beaver is wearing a Second World War uniform of the South Saskatchewan Regiment.
Captain Canada was standing in council chambers during Monday night’s meeting. As part of the fundraising efforts for the tree, the beaver will be raffled off. Tickets will be available soon from committee members and the Estevan Legion.
The beaver will visit businesses and individuals to generate support for the tree project. Photos from the visits will be posted on the Facebook page for the Soldiers’ Tree,
A second Captain Canada has also be carved. It will be auctioned off at the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s upcoming banquet and auction on April 23, also as a fundraiser for the tree.
Thiessen believes the monument will be a unique and lasting tribute to the men and women of the Canadian Forces.
“This monument will be an asset to the city, as it is truly a work of art and a tourist attraction,” he said.
The project is being undertaken by the Soldiers’ Tree committee in conjunction with the Estevan Legion. The estimated cost, including a small fund for future maintenance, is about $50,000.
Fundraising efforts are currently underway, with many local businesses and individuals contributing to make the project a reality.
