Once again the small Village of Delia has accomplished a momentous task further enhancing the Village and specifically the Veteran’s Memorial Park which has been an ongoing project for about three years. In conjunction with the Delia Communities in Bloom and the Delia and District Agricultural Society but largely due to the efforts of village resident Bev Hall, a Memorial Wall has been erected in the Veteran’s Memorial Park honouring the men and women who served in the Canadian Armed forces since 1914 this includes the area surrounding Delia. The Wall contains five hundred and seventeen names and was dedicated at a ceremony held June 14. In addition to the approximate 200 residents an honour guard was present at this dedication consisting of veterans, legion members, R.C.M.P and members of the South Alberta Light Horse Unit. This project was mainly funded by donations from individuals who felt it was important to honour the commitment made by our service people to keep our country safe. Donations were largely gathered through the efforts of Bev Hall for which the community is very appreciative.
The Veteran’s Memorial Park welcomes visitors to Delia as it is situated at the entryway to the Village and is in part due to the efforts of namely the Delia Communities in Bloom a committee of the Delia and District Agricultural Society . Roughly $30,000 has been invested in the park over the last three years mainly from fundraisers and donations. Cost of the Memorial Wall was approximately $18,000.
Following the dedication on this cool blustery day people were happy to congregate at the Delia Community Centre for an afternoon of lunch and fellowship and a chance to reminisce. In addition to the Memorial Wall dedication , Delia also launched its new Delia history book with approximately 400 books already sold out of a printing of 500. A hard working committee of area residents put a lot of work into acquiring the stories , formatting them and securing a publisher. Anyone who is ever involved into compiling one of these books understands the work commitment required.
Pictured in the dedication ceremony left to right: Bob Gibson, Brian Kirkpatrick, Carol Kirkpatrick, Donald Lance, Diana Lance, Tom Brydges, Cadet Abraham Yarbrough, Lloyd Anderson, Terry Hodson, Constable Chris MacEachern, Trooper Timothy DenHollander and Major Ruby Brydges.