By Roger White

Warm reception for Wounded Warriors at Fort Battleford

Jul 28, 2017 | 2:00 PM

Dozens of people showed up at Fort Battleford Thursday to give a heroes welcome to those who served our country.

Over 90 veterans, first responders and their families attending this year’s Wounded Warriors Weekend in Lloydminster were greeted with cheers, handshakes and hugs as they left the bus to be treated to a barbeque by community volunteers.

“This was a wonderful reception,” coordinator Blake Emmons said. “Every location we visited today: Langham, Radisson and here has been heartfelt and we loved it.

“The look on the faces of the vets coming off the bus to the applause and cheers they got from the Battlefords was fantastic to see.”

Battlefords MLA Herb Cox was among those on hand to welcome the Wounded Warriors.

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“It’s great to see that attention is finally being given not only to the men and women who came back with physical wounds but those wounded mentally,” Cox said. “Their lives have been changed from what they have done or seen at the various theatres they have served around the world and they deserve our support.”

The Wounded Warriors event began in 2012 by Canadian Country Music Hall of Famers and Emmons – a Vietnam War veteran – to help those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other serious illnesses. The line-up of events include workshops, a Lieutenant-Governor’s banquet and a Certified Service Dogs presentation for PTSD veterans.

2nd Lt. Toni Thibault and members of the Battlefords Air and Army Cadets served as an honour guard for the event and said she was proud to be asked to be a part of the reception.

“As an officer and someone whose family has served in the military I’m honoured to be here,” Thibault said. We want to let these veterans know if we can help them in any way we most certainly will. They deserve that.”

Over 200 veterans and family members are expected to be attendance at this year’s event.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW