Edwin G. Laird (far left) and his family at the unveiling of the park in Prince Albert on July 28, 2023. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

WE WILL REMEMBER

‘Something you never forget’: P.A. war veteran honoured with naming of park

Jul 28, 2023 | 6:00 PM

At the young age of 18, Edwin G. Laird was sent to the fields of Europe during the Second World War and eventually given the duty of passing the ceasefire orders to the artillery at four in the morning after the armistice was agreed to.

Fast forward more than 75 years later and Laird is sitting in a different field on Muzzy Drive in Prince Albert along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for a special occasion.

The City of Prince Albert and Laird’s family officially unveiled the Edwin G. Laird Park on Friday afternoon. The park and playground on Muzzy Drive has not had an official name until Friday when the curtain was brought down on the metal sign that will forever bear Laird’s name.

In speaking to paNOW after the ceremony, Edwin Laird had few words to express his appreciation for the honour.

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“Something you never forget,” he said. “A terrific way of saying thank you.”

That act of gratitude was presented to Laird in more ways than one during the ceremony as the crowd also stood to sing ‘O Canada’ as a tribute to him.

Laird added that the day was made more memorable with several family members witnessing the event.

His daughter Geri Sauer was grateful that her father was able to see the park unveiling in person, given that it came while a family reunion was taking place.

“I thought it was perfect because the next generation would be here and some of them weren’t able to be here for the birthday party,” she said. It’s almost like another birthday party for us.”

Laird celebrated his centennial birthday in May during a ceremony at the Prince Albert Historical Museum.

Sauer said that while her father’s time in the army was a major part of his life, the biggest impact he has made in life is being a dad and granddad and a long-time member of the Legion.

She added that she and her dad have been asked many times since his 100^th birthday what his greatest success in life is to which she responded with luck.

“He’d sit every day in the army, he’d wake up and think he was lucky to be alive. He feels like he’s a lucky guy.”

During Laird’s tour in Europe, he fought in several countries including Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Along with his time in the army, Laird volunteered with local sports leagues and continues to be a member of the Prince Albert Legion. He joined the Legion as soon as he got back to the community from his deployment in Europe, a total of around 78 years.

The naming of Edwin G. Laird Park is part of a city initiative that plans to name over a dozen parks after veterans as well as historical dignitaries and Indigenous figures.

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow