UNITY — The Town of Unity and the local Royal Canadian Legion honoured decorated veteran and community leader Silas “Si” Campbell by dedicating a newly revamped sitting area on Main Street as Si Campbell Park during a ceremony Sept. 20 to kick off National Legion Week.
A good crowd, estimated at about 100, was waiting near the park for the legionnaires to arrive for the dedication. Over 20 people were part of the legion parade which marched from the legion to the park. Bagpiper Ian Malcolm and drummer Hobie Campbell provided the beat for the marchers.
Special guests and spectators at the dedication included members of the Campbell and Thieseen families, peacekeepers, several Unity firefighters in dress uniform and Lt. Col. Ryan Kean from the Canadian Air Force base in Cold Lake, Alta.
Unity Legion president Lorne Kohlman and Unity Mayor Bob Abel made a few opening remarks before the plaque was unveiled. After the unveiling, Kohlman said, “Si, this is for you. … This is now known as Si Campbell’s Park.”
Si Campbell’s wife, Irene Thiessen-Campbell thanked everyone for attending and said Si was “a wonderful man who loved everybody and I hope that you’ll always remember him when you come here.”
Formerly from the 419 squadron – Campbell’s original squadron, since disbanded – and now with 410, Kean participated in the march from and to the legion, as well as addressing the crowd at the park.
Kean’s first introduction to Campbell was when he received the request for a fly-past for a Flying Cross member’s funeral. Looking into it, he realized Campbell was actually a member of his own squadron, 419, a bombing squadron during the Second World War. Although the planes were not able to drop down over Unity due to the late winter storm on the day of the funeral, Kean said “I’m sure Si could see us.”
Kean added he was able to take Campbell’s medals flying with him on the last fight of the 419 squadron and pointed out the Distinguished Flying Cross was not a medal given out lightly.
Cut Knife – Turtleford MLA James Thorsteinson spoke, noting not only Campbell’s war service but also his contributions to the community of Unity afterwards. He concluded by saying, “Thank you, to the late Silas Campbell for leaving behind a lasting legacy in Unity and to all veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces for your steadfast service to your country, your province and to your communities.”
Kohlman read remarks from MP Rosemarie Falk, who described Si as a “respected veteran, community leader and long-time contributor to the community.”
Norbert Glatt flew his 1942 Tiger Moth over the crowd gathered at the park.
Malcolm played The Lament and everyone observed a moment of silence before the legionnaires marched back to the Legion.
Legion members extended an open invitation to everyone to join them for snacks and drinks at their hall. Kohlman said Campbell was always the first to greet someone who came in the door at the legion and said “I extend that same invitation to anyone … My hand is always out … he was my mentor and I will follow his steps.”
Abel was one of the first to speak at the dedication ceremony, but one of his statements provides a fitting conclusion to and description of the day’s event: “a great dedication to a great man.”
