First Special Service Force Plaque Unveiling

Tue NOV 04.14 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Chinook Country Tourist Association parking lot

Corner of Scenic Dr & Mayor Magrath Dr S (2805 Scenic Drive South)

BRIEF SPEECHES | UNVEILING | REFRESHMENTS

IN ATTENDANCE [confirmed]:

  • John Hart, board member of the FSSF Association, son of late FSSF member Geoffrey Hart

  • Hank Planger, one of the few surviving members of the FSSF

  • Harry Long, Lethbridge resident

  • Glenn Miller, Lethbridge United Services Institute

  • Jeff Alden, General Manager and Gary McLean, Past President Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch #4

  • Councillors Jeff Coffman, Blaine Hyggen and Rob Miyahsiro Lethbridge City Council

  • Susan Burrows-Johnson Galt Museum & Archives (MC)

The plaque will commemorate the First Special Service Force (FSSF), an elite World War II combat unit also known as The Devil’s Brigade, which contained both a Canadian (1st Canadian Special Service Battalion) and American contingent, and trained at Fort Harrison near Helena, Montana.

“Mr. Harry Long, a local community member, thought that there should be more information on the Force, and many people agreed,” explains Susan Burrows-Johnson, CEO/Executive Director at the Galt Museum & Archives. “Citizens, the City of Lethbridge, County of Lethbridge, Lethbridge United Services Institute, the Royal Canadian Legion, Alberta Transport and the Galt have completed an informational project that includes a pamphlet, highway signs, and this plaque.”

The section of Highway 4 and Interstate 15 from Lethbridge to Helena was named the First Special Service Force Highway on September 18, 1999. Highway 4 from Lethbridge to Coutts honours the achievements and sacrifices of the 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion while fighting with the FSSF.

Anine VonkemanComment