Daniel Sigouin, the president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 70 and a retired Navy chief petty officer. He served in both Bosnia and Afghanistan. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

LEST WE FORGET

‘I was pround to do it’ : North Battleford begins Veterans’ week with flag raising

Nov 4, 2024 | 1:55 PM

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 70, alongside the City of North Battleford, gathered on Monday for a flag-raising to honour the upcoming Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

The day serves as an opportunity for Canadians to honour the brave souls who fell so that we can call Canada home. It is also a moment to remember those who returned home safely.

One of the people in the crowd was Daniel Sigouin, the president of Branch 70, also a 25-year veteran.

“The first day when I was sworn into the Forces is something I always believed in, and I wanted to do, and that first day back in October was the highlight of my career,” said Sigouin.

Sigouin served six years in the Army, later changing to the Navy and finishing his career as a Navy Chief Petty Officer. He served in both wars in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

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When asked how he felt when he first entered the army, he said, ‘proud’ was all he could say.

“I don’t regret anything that I’ve done. It’s been a fantastic career, and I absolutely encourage people to join the Forces,” he said. “I was proud to do it.”

Sigouin said all communities, towns, and cities must acknowledge the important work the Legion has been doing for nearly a century. He noted that next September will be their 100th year of service and dedication, and a special celebration will mark this significant milestone.

“It’s very important to all of us to support past veterans and veterans who are now. We have veterans serving overseas as we speak, and we need to make sure that they have support when they come home,” he noted.

Sigouin noted that there are around 100 veterans in the city.

Veteran John Caldwell, Sergeant At Arms (L), accompanied by Mayor David Gillan, assisted in raising the flag during the ceremony at City Hall on Monday. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

“It’s really a special week, and as mayor, really, this is one of my favourite events that go on in the community every year,” David Gillan, Mayor of City of North Battleford, noted.

“We must remember all the men and women who served our country, fought in the First World War and Second World War, and many wars since then.”

This week, the city and Branch 70 Legion will organize a series of events in alignment with Remembrance Day. These activities will include veterans’ talks and flag-raising at local high schools and a flag-raising ceremony on Friday to honour Indigenous Veterans Day.

Furthermore, on Nov. 11 there will be a grand ceremony at Don Ross Centre followed by a luncheon at the Branch 70 office, where the public is welcome.

From left to right: Mayor David Gillan; Daniel Sigouin, Branch 70 President; Louise Oster; Gord Brown, 1st vice president of Branch 70; Laurie Smith; Wayne Lambie, Veteran and John Caldwell Serjeant-at-arms. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com