What started as an idea in 2007 to create a commemorative plate for veterans has since become reality. And its location, in the Field of Honour in Innisfail, couldn’t be better, said Gordon Beck.
“I did this for Jerry,” said war veteran Beck of finishing the project he started with a friend and comrade in 2007, in a truck ride heading back from a legion event. “He deserved to be recognized for his efforts.”
On Oct. 28, Beck and other members of the Korean Veteran’s Association in Innisfail met with a group of volunteers at the cemetery, where the plaque has been installed. Afterwards the group went back to the legion to celebrate over drinks and food. Beck shared the story behind the plaque and thanked the volunteers who helped erect the 10 feet by 8 feet wrought iron and sheet metal creation.
Four years ago, Beck and friend Jerry Klink, described as “tough as a cowboy,” decided something needed to be made to commemorate those who had fought for the county. At the time the two lived in Mirror, Alberta and were part of Legion Branch 189.
“I had had this idea kicking around for awhile. And when I told Jerry he said, ‘something like this probably should have been done 20 years ago.’”
The two set to work designing what they imagined. They went and got help from a metal worker who had a few designs on his computer the two could work from.
“We had the around the perimeter, ‘Lest We Forget.” But we didn’t know what to put in the middle. He (metal worker) had designs on his computer. He had the picture you see on it now of the kneeling solider. We made a few modifications. We added the cross and the helmet,” he explained.
He said the legion in Mirror okayed the project and he and Klinck took it up to Red Deer to get it painted and all done up.
“In that time period Jerry up and passed away on me and I had moved to Penhold. Leaning against the window in the sign shop was the last I saw of it, I kind of got out of it,” he said of completing the project.
Last year he got it in his head to go back to Mirror and see what had become of the plaque. Friend Monique McBride drove up with him.
“It was sitting outside of the building,” said McBride, who explained the two found it resting outside of the Legion. “It was criminal to be sitting like that because of what it represents. It’s just beautiful,” she said of wanting to do something about it.
Innisfail Legion Branch 104 and the Korean Veteran Association agreed to go together on a joint project to bring it to Innisfail.
Over the summer, Beck got help from his neighbours in Penhold and other volunteers to build up the base, drive the plaque to Innisfail and set it up.
“We’re sitting amongst the greatest people you’ll ever know,” said a beaming Beck of Jeff Johnson, Bill Lawrence, Debbie Chenell, Phil Sandstra, Danny Campbell and Denver Schmelke who helped with the project.
He also mentioned Bob Schultz, former operations manager of the Town of Innisfail, who helped dig up the ground for the plaque and Brian Carver, who laid the bricks.
“They brought the Field of Honour to life. I couldn’t be more pleased,” he said. “It’ been long bumpy road to get where it is. And it couldn’t be in a better place. I feel Jerry would feel the same way.”
President of the KVA, Nelson Morrison addressed the volunteers at the end of the meeting.
“It just goes to show what you can accomplish. You’re wonderful people. We’ll never forget you.”
Beck plans to plant poppies into the top of the bed along with some other flowers.
“This is it’s home. This is where it’s meant to be,” said McBride. “This is something to see and for people to visit — and for children to learn something new,” she said.
