There was just enough ceremony involved to remind the guests that the Queen’s representative was in the house, but the mood was relaxed while still retaining a formality that paid tribute to the importance of the event.
Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield was in the Energy City on Saturday afternoon to present 19 Military Service Pins to deserving recipients who had performed military service over the years and who could now proudly display their pins on civilian clothing to signify their contributions.
Upon her arrival the lieutenant-governor was escorted into the hall by the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 60 Colour Party under the command of Cort Barker and piper Robert Rooks. She then visited the reception line that consisted by MP Dr. Robert and Donna Kitchen, MLA Lori Carr, Mayor Roy Ludwig, Legion past president Sharren Dukart who was emcee for the event and current Legion president Troy LeBlanc, who later introduced the lieutenant-governor, noting the importance of the Military Service Pins that she had endorsed as a fitting tribute to those who had served in the Canadian military. He also noted a number of volunteer and service medals Solomon Schofield had received before and during her term of office which began in 2012.
Greetings were also delivered by Dr. Kitchen and Carr as well as a welcome from the city by Ludwig with all speakers focusing on the importance of the military and recognition for past services.
The lieutenant governor paid tribute to the recipients, noting they had signed up knowing they might have to place their lives in danger, but they did so anyway. “They are our heroes and many will suffer the visible and invisible wounds for years.”
The pin, to be worn on civilian clothing, was launched by Solomon Schofield in 2013 with the expectation that a few hundred would be presented during her term as lieutenant-governor.
But, she noted, over 8,000 had now been awarded.
The pin, carrying the simple symbol of the Commonwealth crown was first presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and she remarked it was a fine symbol of non-partisan principals all could share.
“So we defend the principals of peace by wearing the pin, and we wear it to inspire victory for grateful people to indicate a history of freedom. This is a symbol of freedom,” she said, before turning to the recipients to add, “I thank you on behalf of our soverign.”
Fifteen of the 19 recipients were in attendance to accept the Military Service Pin in person during a brief ceremony that included the lieutenant-governor’s aide-de-camp Captain (retired) Ken Turner, Dukart and LeBlanc.
Solomon Schofield took time to share a few words and even a few chuckles with all of the recipients during the presentations or after during a group photograph session.
