429 Squadron to have permanent legacy in city

A monument will be erected in front of City Hall to cement and provide lasting remembrance of the relationship between 429 Squadron and the City of Lethbridge.

The City of Lethbridge adopted the 429 Squadron in 1944 during the Second World War.

The 429 Squadron was granted “freedom of the skies” in Lethbridge in 2008, and has performed a fly-past at the Cenotaph in seven of the last nine Remembrance Day ceremonies.

The granite monument will honour veterans who have served over the past 75 years and act as visible recognition of Lethbridge’s rich military history. It will be located north of City Hall on the grass margin next to the walkway.

All costs related to the design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of the monument are being covered by the 702 (Wing) Squadron on behalf of 429 Squadron.

“I think it’s a lovely monument to these brave people that fought for us,” said councillor Liz Iwaskiw.

The presentation and unveiling of the monument is scheduled to take place during this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Wayne King, president of 702 (Wing) Squadron, said the request for the C17 Globemaster to do a fly-past is already in the books, and the Squadron hopes to send a reasonable contingent of its members to be present during the monument’s dedication.