The new Southeast Military Museum is celebrating its grand opening on Nov. 11.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the small hall of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch following the lunch for Estevan’s annual Remembrance Day service. Estevan’s Jim Spenst, who is a Second World War veteran, and Estevan MLA Lori Carr cut the ribbon.
Capt. Craig Bird, a local military historian and the one spearheading the museum initiative, told the crowd that it was fitting to have the grand opening on Remembrance Day. He hopes the museum will honour those who lost their lives in war, those who returned safely from combat missions, and those who continue to serve. He also wants it to be a museum that honours people from the southeast region.
“It is a work in progress,” said Bird. “We’re a brand new museum, and there’s more to come with the museum. So it will be changing, and we will be adding some.”
There is a variety of memorabilia on display at the small hall, including artifacts, uniforms and firearms.
The rest of the memorabilia is at Bird’s home north of the city. There are signs out on Highway 47 north of the city on Nov. 11 directing people to the site, where they can see more of the collection.
This week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles will have more on this story.
