Loyd Smith and Ed Laird were recognized at the legion Friday evening. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Remembering and honouring

Legion holds special celebration for two veterans

Feb 8, 2020 | 2:07 PM

The Prince Albert Legion was packed Friday evening when members and supporters gathered to celebrate two Second World War veterans.

Ed Laird and Loyd Smith were recently announced as two of the 14 people to have streets named after them in the city of Prince Albert.

Smith, who is originally from Choiceland and joined the Canadian Armed Forces when he was 18, wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to making the list.

“I never thought about it really. It would be kind of nice if I am around to see it,” he said.

After his two years of service in the war, Smith returned to the family homestead before moving into P.A. to work in a box factory. He then re-enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and went on to serve for 23 years. Following that, he moved to Saskatoon and Candle Lake before his return to Prince Albert in 1997.

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Smith said Friday’s celebration on Friday was a surprise — one he appreciates.

“[It’s] pretty nice,” he said.

Ed Laird described hearing the news as wonderful. He added it was especially nice to see so many people come out to mark the occasion.

“It’s quite a celebration. A lot of people here all shaking hands and telling me I am a good guy. I am not used to that,” he said.

Laird enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces where he worked to transmit messages. This job saw Laird transmit one of the most important messages of the war.

“I passed the cease fire to first, second and third field regiment, the artillery,” he said.

Following his service, Laird returned to P.A. and eventually made his way into a career as a mechanic, which stretched for over 30 years. Laird said while there have been changes over time, one aspect has remained consistent.

“People have always been so good to us veterans,” he said.

Brenda Cripps, a service officer and zone commander with the Royal Canadian Legion, said Laird continued to serve the community beyond his term with the Canadian Forces. He spoke at school assemblies for over 30 years and volunteers his time at the Herb Bassett Home.

Cripps said it is fitting to have Laird’s name on the list as he was the one who brought forward the original motion to the city in 1964 suggesting streets to be named after veterans. She added the legion and P.A. are fortunate to have both men as members.

“To listen to some of their stories and talk to them is just amazing,” she said.

The legion was near capacity for the event Friday evening. (Micheal Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn