MORTLACH — The Village of Mortlach might be small in size, but it continues to stand tall with gratitude.
Recently, the Pit Stop Family Diner once again opened its doors to host the second annual Veterans’ Appreciation Weekend — a grassroots event dedicated to honouring Canada’s veterans with food, fellowship, and good old-fashioned hospitality.
“I’m just trying to do something meaningful for those who’ve served,” said owner Terry Bittles. “This is a small place, but we’ve got a lot of heart.”
Veterans from across Saskatchewan and Manitoba dropped in throughout the weekend, some in uniform, others in denim and pins, all of them welcomed with a warm meal and friendly conversation. The diner, decorated with photos, plaques, and framed newspaper clippings, took on the look of a living tribute to service members past and present.
Display booths were offered to veterans' organizations for fundraising and outreach, with raffles, 50/50 draws, and memorabilia sales helping to support their work. The weekend event was also meant to foster a strong sense of connection. Local representation included Albert Taylor, vice-president of Moose Jaw ANAVETS No. 252, who joined the weekend gathering to connect with fellow veterans and support outreach efforts.
“You could sit down for coffee and end up swapping stories with someone who served in Afghanistan, someone who served in Bosnia, and someone who’s now helping today’s youth in Cadets,” Bittles said. “That’s the magic of it.”
One of the weekend’s highlights was a visit from Donna Hartie, a veterans services officer from Winnipeg’s ANAVETS Unit 283. Hartie shared her experiences working with veterans in need, especially women and Indigenous service members, and offered insight into benefits many veterans may not realize they’re entitled to.
“People walked out of here with new information that could really change their lives,” Bittles said.
For those who missed it, he’s already thinking about next year — and Hartie pledged to invite a large group of Indigenous veterans from Manitoba to join the next gathering.
“It’s not about numbers,” Bittles said, alluding to the small yet growing attendance for the annual event. “It’s about making people feel seen, heard, and appreciated.”
That is exactly what this village in small-town Saskatchewan accomplished.
“You don’t have to be a big city to do something meaningful,” he added. “Sometimes, all it takes is a warm meal and a place to listen.”
The Pit Stop Diner is located at 111 Rose Street in Mortlach and can be reached at 1-306-355-2245.
