LER honoured at City Hall

The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (LER) was officially recognized in a protocol ceremony on 15 December 2015 in Edmonton City Council Chambers.  The protocol ceremony gives members of City Council an opportunity to recognize achievements of citizens or groups that represent the city in a positive way.  They are presented by the Mayor or Councillors during regular City Council meetings.

To see more photos of this event, visit my online gallery.

Mayor Don Iveson (centre) with LER representatives in City Chambers.

Mayor Don Iveson called the Council meeting to order at 0930 hours, and began with acknowledgement of the Treaty Six lands on which the city is built.  After  everyone was seated, Council voted to adopt the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting.  The Richard Eaton singers, also in attendance for recognition that morning, performed some Christmas songs to the delight of everyone.  

Members of the Richard Eaton singers perform in Edmonton City Hall.

 Mayor Iveson spoke about how the LER was originally formed as 49^th Battalion in January 1915 by Lieutenant-General William Griesbach. He was a member of Edmonton's inaugural council and, at age 29, the youngest mayor in this city's history. LGen Griesbach played a major role in establishing this Regiment.

“On January 4, 1915 he began recruiting for his newly formed 49th battalion,” said Mayor Iveson. “He gained 1,000 men in eight days, a remarkable accomplishment since the population at the time was approximately 13,000 people.”  Mayor Iveson added that by January 21, 1915, 49th battalion had reached its full strength and deployed to London, England on June 3.

During the First World War, the battalion fought in many significant battles including Mount Sorrell, the Somme, Passchendaele and Vimy Ridge. The unit won numerous battle honours, and two of its soldiers earned the Victoria Cross (VC).  One VC was earned by Private Cecil Kinross on 30 October 1917 during the battle of Passchendaele, Belgium.  His VC tribute is now on display in the foyer of Mayor Iveson's office.

“The Regiment mobilized again for the Second World War and fought in one of Canada's costliest battles at Ortona, Italy.  They sustained 172 casualties, including 63 killed in action during that battle,” said Mayor Iveson.   “Our city now has a bond of friendship with the City of Ortona as a result of the relationship between the regiment and the people. 

“Today the Loyal Edmonton Regiment remains ready to serve Canada at home and abroad if and when the need arises. They have served with the United Nations and NATO in Cyprus, the Balkans, and Afghanistan.”

Mayor Iveson introduced several LER members who attended the ceremony.  They were Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Weidlich; Captain Rick Dumas, the Adjutant; RSM Deegan; Master Corporal Morry, and Corporals Benke, Nilsson, Semple and Brettner. Honorary Colonel Dennis Erker and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel John Stanton were also introduced.  Retired LER members at the ceremony included Lieutenant Colonel Lee Ahlstrom, Bert Plowman, Sandy McLaren, MM, and Maurice White, who also served with the First Special Service Force (aka the Devil's Brigade).

“Please take our thanks on behalf of the people of Edmonton to all of the retired members, the veterans and all of the current serving members,” said Mayor Iveson.  “We have such great respect for the service that you provide and the vigilance that you keep here and around the world.”

The ceremony concluded when Mayor Iveson presented LCol Weidlich with a gift from Edmonton Salutes to commemorate the LER’s 100^th Anniversary of service to Canada.  The mayor then stood with the LER representatives for a group photo in front of the Council Chambers flags.

Mayor Iveson presents a gift on behalf of Edmonton Salutes to LER

The Edmonton Salutes gift is made of crystal and wood, and prominently features items on the LER badge:  the windmill with 49, the pyramid at Edmonton City Hall, and Lestock the coyote (named after a town in Saskatchewan).  The gift weighs approximately 20 pounds, and was produced by the same company that makes trophies for the Juno awards.  Photos by Grant Cree.