In 1927, veterans from Loreburn and area built a monument to their fallen comrades in the centre of the village of Loreburn. They had hauled rocks — likely from the Wankel farm, west of town to construct the stone memorial. Thirteen men are commemorated on the monument — 11 casualties from the First World War, and two from the Second World War.
The 90-year-old monument was recently refurbished by local volunteers. Andy Wong and his wife May led the repairs, removing and replacing the mortar, which had deteriorated over time. Also, the plaques were cleaned and the letters were repainted by Sue Ann Abbott. The project cost roughly $1,200, about half of which was covered by a grant from Veterans Affairs Canada. The rest of the costs were covered by the branch’s Poppy Trust Fund and by the village itself. Legion members, RCMP officers and dignitaries rededicated Loreburn’s cenotaph on June 6, 2017. Around 140 people gathered Tuesday morning for the ceremony. This included close to 100 students from Loreburn Central School, who walked to the site for the occasion. Joe Sitavanc, president of Loreburn-Elbow Branch No. 251 of the Royal Canadian Legion, served as emcee. Special guests in attendance included Sharon Erickson, the Royal Canadian Legion’s zone commander from Moose Jaw, as well as Gord McRae, President of the Legion branch in Davidson, and local MLA for Arm River, Greg Brkich. Guests attendance were two out of the three veterans of World War II who are still members of the Loreburn/Elbow Legion today; Loreburn resident Lyman Peardon and Mistussine resident Father Steve Ripplinger. Unable to attend the ceremony was Robert Taylor, who lives in Saskatoon.
The youths in attendance played a part in rededicating the 90-year old cenotaph, as Loreburn teacher Shauna George led a handbell choir through a performance of “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. As well, six students read the names of the 13 men from Loreburn and area that had fought and died during World War I and II.
