WINNIPEG - A new monument celebrating Canada's most decorated aboriginal soldier was unveiled in Winnipeg on Sunday.
Dignitaries, military officials and aboriginal leaders gathered for the special ceremony held at Sgt. Tommy Prince Veterans Park.
In addition to the monument, organizers of the celebration planted several young trees to represent the medals Prince won during his tours of duty in the Second World War and the Korean War.
"It makes me very proud to see all kinds of people come out and remember our deceased father," said Thomas Prince Jr. "Our family says thank you very much."
Chief Debbie Chief of the Brokenhead First Nation, where Prince was born, said residents of the reserve are proud of him and happy he was receiving such recognition.
"It empowers us to be proud of who we are as aboriginal people," she said. "It also helps our young people know that we have heroes in our community."
Prince fought in the Second World War as a member of the 3rd Regiment First Canadian Special Services Battalion, also known as the Devil's Brigade. He later did two tours of duty in the Korean War with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Prince spent much of his military career as a scout behind enemy lines. His citations for bravery include an American Silver Star and a Military Medal, both pinned to his chest by King George IV.
He died in 1977 at the age of 62.
The head organizer behind the celebration was veteran Don Mackey.
"It ended up Tommy Prince was an alcoholic and died on skid row," said Mackey. "I knew him for six months. I got angry."
Mackey wrote letters and fought hard to obtain the land used for the park.
"I've got good memories of the last 10 years. I'm quite proud of doing it."
