LLRIB Veteran Honoured 55 Years After Death

LLRIB Veteran Honoured 55 Years After Death

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 14:10

A member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band is being honoured today with a special war veterans grave marker, more than 50 years after he passed away.

A special service was held today for Joseph Halkett: First Nations veterans, Legion members and RCMP participated in the ceremony, along with Halkett’s two surviving family members: his daughter, Grace Ross, and son, Douglas Halkett, who are in their 70’s and 80’s respectively.

David Crane says it has taken about two years of work by a now-retired councillor to get this grave marker.

He says Halkett was not missed intentionally, but it turns out families must apply for the markers.

Crane says in some cases, there may be no surviving family members to apply for this headstone, but hopes more will come forward so more First Nations veterans can be honoured.