The recently completed Forever in the Clouds monument serves as a reminder that freedom is not free, and of the tragedies that come with war.
On Sept. 15, 1946, during times of peace, 21 servicemen died in a plane crash at the former Estevan Airport site south of the city.
One of the men involved in the plane crash was Len Turtle, and thanks to the dedication and persistence of monument committee member Marie Calder, members of the Turtle family were able to see the monument unveilled, including Turtle’s niece, Jennifer Currie.
“One of the servicemen that is depicted on the monument was my father’s brother, so my uncle,” said Currie. “He was a very young man, and there was and still is a lot of sadness in my family regarding what happened to him. Largely because he had survived the war, after being actively involved for years as a pilot, so this incident was not only shocking but it was disappointing.”
Turtle had served in the war, along with two of his brothers, and had successfully survived its entirety. He returned to Canada, during a time of peace, only to be killed within a year of his safe return.
“In our family, the memory of Len Turtle lives on,” said Currie.
“We speak about him often, and I wish more of us could have been there to see the monument unveiled. But I know how much work it was for Marie Calder just to find us, so I understand.”
According to Currie the story and memory of Len are still spoken of by family members, and she believes this monument will preserve the memory of not only her family member, but of the other men who also perished in the accident.
“We’re certainly gratified that our family member, who was much loved, is being remembered. I think the ceremony itself was quite nice, and they did a good job at telling the story as accurately as possible,” said Currie.
“I think the monument evokes a lot of emotions when you look at it. It’s quite impressive to see, but what comes to mind is sadness, for the families and the servicemen, and gratitude for the sacrifice they made. It also brings up feelings of some disappointment at their loss, they had their entire lives to live and then it was just taken.”
Currie was originally informed of the existence of the monument in the early months of this year, along with her cousin Michelle Turtle, thanks to Calder, who has devoted countless hours searching for the families of the servicemen involved.
According to Currie, although the monument serves to honour the men who lost their lives that day, she believes there will never be true closure for the family.
“I don’t know that there will ever be closure, I’m not even sure I know what that would really mean,” said Currie. “But it’s nice to know our family member is being remembered. The monument provides a focal point that wasn’t there previously for people who understand what happened that day, whether they have family involved or not. It’s a point of remembrance that I think is important for us, and the people in Estevan, and even for the military members that know of the story.”
Currie said she believes other members of her family will visit Estevan in the near future to visit the monument. She noted that they have all expressed strong interest in seeing the piece, and feelings of happiness that their loved one will continue to be remembered.
“I think it really represents the men who died quite nicely,” said Currie.
“Darren Jones did an amazing job carving the piece, however I do wish they could hurry and find a permanent location for it, because I think everyone should get the opportunity to just see it and know the story.”
Currie also said that she wanted to thank all those who were involved with the creation of the monument, and those who continue to seek out the families who lost loved ones in the accident.
Calder also wished to recognize Lester Hinzman, who was instrumental in the completion of both the Soldier’s Tree and the Forever in the Clouds monuments. Neither monument would exist without his assistance and dedication.
