Achi news desk-
A plane bound for Juneau Beach in France took off from the Arabah on Friday with a piece of military history.
The eight-foot bronze statue, depicting Canadian World War II soldiers, was created to commemorate the Royal Regina Rifles and their contributions on June 6, 1944.
When the memorial lands, it will be erected in Normandy, just in time for the official ceremonies planned for the 80th anniversary of the Juneau landings.
A lot of work went into the statue to make it as historically detailed as possible, creating a powerful representation of the soldiers of that time.
“It’s very accurate down to the detail of the collars and the helmet,” explained Kelsey Looney, a military historian at the Regina Royal Rifles Trust. “We took a helmet to the statue so we could be perfect. The detail on his face shows determination as he pushes forward.”
In early April, the statue was unveiled for the first time at the Saskatchewan War Memorial in Wascana Park in Regina. It was a commemorative year in the making.
“To be able to be apart of something and leave a real legacy in their honor so that the Regina Rifles will be remembered for what they did, not only in France but for the people of Regina and Saskatchewan,” retired Royal Regina Rifles Captain Rob Knibbs said.
Don Begg, the sculptor of the sculpture, said this was one project he wanted to get right.
“When you make something out of bronze, it’s going to last thousands of years after it’s long gone, so you always try to do your best because you won’t be around to make excuses,” he said.
A smaller version of the statue made its way to the Peepeekisis Cree Nation in April. Over 50 of its members joined the Regina Guns, including Alan Bird.
“Some of the words, when they talk about my dad and the veterans and our community, one of the speakers, it hurt. It really shook me because I’m so proud of my dad and our veterans,” he said.
For those in Saskatchewan, it is hoped the statue will help future generations remember the contributions of Saskatchewan soldiers.
“I just hope that the legacy will continue, that the statue will promote further recognition of what Saskatchewan people did in World War II,” Looney said.
The statue still has thousands of miles to travel before it reaches its destination, where it will eventually be unveiled on June 6, the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
– with files from Angela Stewart
