Vegreville Legion Hosts Decoration Day Service at Lavoy Cemetery

Vegreville Legion Hosts Decoration Day Service at Lavoy Cemetery

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

On December 23, 1944, during the bitter street fighting in the town of Ortona, No. 18 Platoon “D” Company, of the Loyal Edmonton Regiments, was fighting its way down the main street to the square in the centre of the city.

Realizing that the silencing of the enemy points is the building on the left was essential to allow the advances of the platoon to continue, Pte. Rattray crawled with two others over a pile of rubble to the building. The whole way they were exposed to machine-gun fire at 30 yards range and were harassed by snipers.

Pte. Rattray left his two comrades to mop up the first floor. He continued to the top floor and singlehandedly captured five German paratroopers, three machine-guns, four rifles, three pistols and a large quantity of ammunition, including grenades.

This gallant feat, executed with the greatest courage, skill and determination enabled the platoon to continue its advance and knock out the remaining two machine guns. As a result, the company was able to mop up the area and gain its objective.

In recognition of Pte. Charles Rattray’s devotion to duty and exemplary gallantry, he was awarded the Military Medal. The written account was published in the Vegreville Observer nearly 70 years ago and continues to serve as a reminder of the bravery of this local solider.

The memory of Charles Rattray, along with the dedicated service of 13 other war veterans, were lovingly remembered and honoured during a Decoration Day service at the Lavoy Cemetary on June 13.

Five members of the Vegreville Royal Canadian Legion No. 39 presided over the service that saw around 35 people in attendance; most of which, are descendants of the war veterans. Before the service began, Legion representatives placed Canadian flags by the tombstones of the soldiers.

The service featured prayers, speeches, and musical selections to pay tribute to the soldiers. Coun. Tara Kuzio brought greetings from the County of Minburn and thanked the Legion for recognizing and honouring the veterans. She emphasized the importance of remembering the great contributions the veterans made to protect our freedom and values.

The grave of Pte. George Patterson. (Michelle Pinon/ Photo)

Legion President Terry Kuzyk stated in his address, “Surrounding you here are some of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen that survived those battles and came home to peace, and often to wage an internal conflict because they could not forget what they saw and experienced.

However, they lived their life, they became a benchmark for the rest of society. Their experiences and proven abilities were tempered by crises that went way beyond anything they experienced for the rest of their lives and anything we will ever know. Those with disabilities formed a measure for the rest of us to recognize sacrifice. It is right and fitting that we should take some time out of our daily routine to stop and pay tribute, however briefly, to the debt we own them.”

Members of the crowd were invited to place a poppy on a small wreath during the service. Randy Footz, whose father Mike has been laid to rest in the cemetery thanked the Legion on behalf of himself and other family members who were in attendance. Footz said he was most honoured for the service to be held at the cemetery, and for the Legion to recognize the veterans, men and women, who played a part in his life.

Footz said his father was in the artillery and served in Belgium, France, England, Amsterdam, and Austria. He recalled his father saying they went to a restaurant in Vienna and were looking forward to a nice juicy steak and received a ground beef Salisbury steak instead!

Kevin Smiley, President of the Lavoy Cemetery Caretaking Society, said it was very nice for the Vegreville Legion to have included the Lavoy area in its Decoration Day Services. Smiley said it has been many years since the Lavoy Royal Canadian Legion was in operation, so he was glad to have the service at the cemetery.

Organizers said they will hold another Decoration Day service in Lavoy next year.