The Canadian Walk for Veterans event in Prince Albert has been getting more and more popular each year. (Logan Lehmann/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Prince Albert goes the distance to show support for veterans

Sep 25, 2023 | 1:45 PM

The sixth annual Canadian Walk for Veterans was held over the weekend in a number of cities across Canada, including Prince Albert.

Roughly 30 people turned out in person for the event at Kinsmen Park, and around 200 participated virtually. Local organizer Maddy McKeaveney told paNOW she appreciates everyone who came out to support the event.

“I am very happy with the turn out and the meaningful conversations I have had with all the veterans,” she said.

And for McKeaveney the event was extra personal, as her father Christopher is an Indigenous veteran.

“I have taken a lot of my traits from his military into my daily life and I thank my dad for that. I am a proud veteran’s daughter,'” she said, adding it’s not only the veterans who are dealing with the aftermath of service, but their families as well.

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Maddy’s father and mother were unable to attend Sunday’s event as they were in Croatia attending a separate walk for veterans. Over 30 years ago, he was part of a peacekeeping mission sent to Yugoslavia that turned into a literal fire fight.

During the Battle of Medak Pocket, Canadian soldiers fought their most significant battle since the Korean War. Four Canadians were wounded, and as many as 27 Croatians were killed.

“I am extremely proud of who my dad is and what he has done,” McKeaveney said

Louie Gardypie and Steven Ross. (File photo/ Logan Lehmann)

Emile Highway was among the Indigenous veterans who participated in Sunday’s event. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

Net proceeds from the event on Sunday will go to the River Valley Resilience Retreat, which sits in the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert.

As of Monday, the final total was still being calculated.

Patrons at the retreat include responders, veterans, active armed forces, RCMP, police, EMS and firefighters, volunteer firefighters, corrections, social workers, doctors, nurses, emergency dispatch, 911, tow operators, funeral assistants, First Nations crisis/response, and all public safety personnel.

Veterans sit and talk following the walk. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell