A 104-year-old Saskatchewan World War II veteran, Nick Kuzuska, was recently awarded the French Legion of Honour medal for his contributions to the liberation of France during the war. Kuzuska spent eight days in Normandy before being sent back to England. He described the war as the first job he took, highlighting his sense of duty and dedication. After the war, he returned to his home in Saskatchewan, where he worked as a farmer. Historian Kelsey Lonie noted that the French Legion of Honour medal has been awarded to nearly 1,200 veterans across Canada, with 92 of those recipients hailing from Saskatchewan.
In addition to Kuzuska’s accolade, an eight-foot bronze statue commissioned by the Royal Regina Rifles was unveiled on Saturday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the regiment and their role in World War II, particularly during D-day. Kuzuska praised the statue as “outstanding,” recognizing the significance of the monument to honor the regiment’s history and sacrifice. The statue was displayed in Regina for a public commemoration before being transported to France as a gift to the city of Bretteville-Sur-Mer, symbolizing the alliance between France and Canada.
Lieutenant-colonel Ed Staniowski, a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces Royal Regina Rifles, expressed immense pride in witnessing the unveiling of the statue. He shared that both his parents had fought in World War II, with his mother serving as a nurse and his father in the infantry. Staniowski emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring the legacy of the regiment, highlighting the continuing impact of their service and sacrifice. Sculptor Don Begg discussed his approach to creating the statue, aiming to capture the emotions of fear and determination in the face of the sculpture. Begg reflected on the lasting nature of bronze sculptures, noting that they would endure for thousands of years, preserving the memory of those who served for future generations.
The unveiling of the bronze statue and the awarding of the French Legion of Honour medal to Nick Kuzuska represent meaningful tributes to the veterans’ contributions during World War II. These commemorations serve to honor the sacrifices and bravery of those who fought for freedom and democracy, emphasizing the enduring legacy of their service. The public display of the statue in Regina and its eventual placement in France symbolize the strong bond between the two nations and the gratitude for the allied efforts in the war. The recognition of veterans like Kuzuska and the dedication of individuals like Staniowski and Begg highlight the ongoing importance of remembering and honoring the past sacrifices made for the sake of peace and freedom.
Overall, the events surrounding the unveiling of the bronze statue and the awarding of the French Legion of Honour medal underscore the significance of honoring and remembering the contributions of World War II veterans. These tributes serve as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the war, and the importance of preserving their memory for future generations. The commemorative gestures in Regina and France symbolize the enduring alliance between nations and the shared commitment to upholding the values of freedom and democracy. Through these acts of recognition, the legacy of veterans like Kuzuska and the dedication of individuals like Staniowski and Begg are honored and celebrated, ensuring that their contributions will never be forgotten.
