New temporary display and courtyard renovations unveiled at Lethbridge Military Museum

As an added bonus, the duo welcomed Honourary Consul of the Netherlands, Irene Bakker, to Lethbridge for the unveiling.

“I’m very honoured to be here today,” Bakker said.

“It’s marvellous that there is a little museum here, and [the museum] grow.”

Bakker said the impact Canadians had on the Dutch will never be forgotten.

“We still pay honour to the Canadians that died and especially [at] the war cemetery in Holten, where many Canadians lay buried,” she remarked.

“Every time the Canadians come to the Netherlands, the Dutch people will hug them and say thank you very much Canada, for the liberation.”

Bakker also brought special pins for veterans commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.

Dutch Canadian Henry Hienen presents a flag marking the Liberation of the Netherlands to Honourary Lieutenant Colonel Rick Casson (Lethbridge News Now)

Several Dutch Canadians were in attendance for the unveiling, as was the builder of the temporary display, Brent Devos.

The piece showcases the Battle of the Walcheren causeway.

COURTYARD RENOVATION

The renovation of the courtyard has allowed the museum to relocate some artifacts to a central location for more direct public access at the entrance of the facility.

“This is an artillery unit and so, we wanted to have a place to put out some of the historic guns that have been used and will be used in years to come. It was designed to do that,” Honourary Colonel Rick Casson said, adding that there is a poppy design in the middle of the courtyard.

Artillery on display in the newly renovated courtyard (Lethbridge News Now)

The poppy is surrounded by names of veterans etched in stone.

Casson explained that family members and friends can purchase a stone to honour a veteran in their life, with some funds going towards supporting the museum.

He added that he purchased a brick for both of his parents.

Casson noted that having the museum in southern Alberta is a way to preserve history, but also to educate future generations.

“This museum starts with the military history in 1899 and comes right up to present day,” he said.

“It is critically important. If these folks weren’t spending the time to do this, all these museum committee members, it would all be lost. The artifacts that are kept and retained and can be shown, [they] are critically important. We do have a lot of schools – did have until last March – that come out and tour it, and that’s important as well, to keep the next generation involved.”

The poppy design in the courtyard (Lethbridge News Now)

Visitors are reminded that the Lethbridge Military Museum will be open on Remembrance Day from 12 to 4 p.m. November 11 after the downtown cenotaph service.

Guests will have to wear a mask when visiting the site.

by Justin Goulet

New temporary display and courtyard renovations unveiled at Lethbridge Military Museum

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