By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Fitting opening for renovated Lethbridge Military Museum

Nov 5, 2018 | 11:13 AM

LETHBRIDGE – It was an appropriate start to Remembrance Week as the Lethbridge Military Museum unveiled its newly renovated space.

Located in the Vimy Ridge Armoury, the museum now has its own direct entrance in a refurbished part of the building. It is filled with exhibits that showcase the role of Lethbridge and southern Alberta in Canada’s military and peacekeeping missions from the Boer War to the present.

WATCH: Ribbon-cutting for the Lethbridge Military Museum

Lt. Col. (hon) Rick Casson, president of the Lethbridge Military Unit Senate Association, was joined by Maj. Nicholas Barber CD, commanding officer of the 20th Independent Battery R.C.A and museum volunteers in cutting the ribbon Monday, Nov. 5.

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“If you’re going to say that you’re proud of the military that’s been in southern Alberta, there’s no better way (than) to come here and see exactly how detailed these folks have the history of the military laid out, and just all of the great things have happened,” Casson said, “all of the heroes we’ve had from southern Alberta, unselfish people that have worked anytime the call came forward – they were there to answer the call.”

One of the highlights is the interactive “Mural of Remembrance,” which can also be experienced online. The mosaic, created by Bill Bewick of Calgary, showcases Brig. Gen. John Smith Stewart and a 429 Squadron C-17 aircraft.

Casson said it’s taken years to get to this point, including having to take down the exhibits, move them across the building, and set them back up again. He also acknowledged the accreditation from the Department of National Defense.

“It’s very important to get it all down now, because as you know, there’s very few even Second World War veterans, survivors now. And so, to have it all in place and to have it accessible to the public, to come and to remember it and to learn about it, we all have our poppies on and that’s what it’s about. We can never forget the sacrifices that have been made.”

The museum at 337 Stubb Ross Road, near the airport, is open Wednesdays 12-4 p.m. as well as by appointment. It will also be open for Remembrance Day, Sunday, Nov. 11 from 12-4 p.m.