Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Canadian veterans from across the country will travel to Jasper for its first annual Veterans Appreciation Event, which will run Nov. 1-15.
Tourism Jasper initially approached the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion with the idea to show some appreciation to veterans, including former and current members of the Canadian Forces and RCMP, with this two-week event.
鈥淎s our inaugural year for that large of a timeframe and that number of events, we鈥檙e all pretty excited, and (with) lessons learned from this year, hopefully, this will carry forward,鈥� said retired Captain Greg Key, vice-president of the Jasper Legion and an organizer of Vetfest 2021.
The event marks the 100th anniversary of the Poppy, Remembrance Day and Veterans Week.
A series of ceremonies have been planned, such as National Indigenous Veterans Day, Jasper鈥檚 Salute to Women Veterans and Remembrance Day services
Several dignitaries will be in attendance including retired Major John F. Mahon, president of the Alberta-Northwest Territories Command for the Royal Canadian Legion.
Major Mahon is a decorated member of the Canadian Armed Forces, having received several medals for his service since joining in 1973.
鈥淚 applaud the community of Jasper for hosting such a diverse series of Veterans Appreciation events,鈥� Mahon said in a news release.
鈥淚t warms my heart to witness members of a community coming together with its Veterans, Legion members and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces to celebrate those Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice while wearing the uniforms of the greatest country in the world.鈥�
The event will also feature the second annual Jasper Legion Mess Gala at the Stand Easy on Nov. 13 and a trade show at the Jasper Activity Centre featuring veteran-owned businesses from Nov. 12-13.
鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing else like this being done in Canada right now, although there鈥檚 a couple down in the U.S. that happen, but we鈥檇 like this to continue to grow,鈥� Key said.
鈥淚t benefits our mission of the Legion, which is to honour and remember and celebrate those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the various wars and conflicts that Canada, (which) has always been a world leader, is part of.鈥�
A large concert had also been planned, but this was scrapped due to COVID-19.
During this two-week event, businesses in Jasper will offer discounted services to veterans on hotels, activities and dining.
Key added that this two-week event also benefits the town of Jasper.
鈥淚f we can bring in a good group of people in the shoulder season and (have them) do everything that Jasper offers 鈥� the restaurants and the bars and the hotels and all the tours and so on 鈥� then I think it鈥檚 a great plan,鈥� Key said.
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