Among the Swift Current residents who served in the military, one local D-Day veteran played a significant role and was even awarded the Meritorious Service Award with the Palm Leaf.
Hewitt Murch joined the Canadian Army in 1942, during the height of World War II, serving with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals Second Canadian Armoured Brigade.
Murch, born in 1921, was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 for over 64 years and following his military career, volunteered with an array of groups and organizations.
Despite serving in two very different wars, Corporal Andy Keys met Murch while presenting at local schools for Remembrance Day.
"When I first started doing presentations at school, almost thirty years ago now, I went along with Hewitt and I listened to what he had to say," said Keys. "So he told me a few of his stories."
He recalled Murch telling him about the iconic view where he came ashore, not far from the infamous Canada House.
"I went back to the D-Day 50th celebration while I was in the army and while a lot of those veterans were still alive and we chatted with them all," Keys explained. "Since then, my wife and I went back a few times, including for the 75th celebration,
"We actually laid a wreath for the Legion Branch 56 and on behalf of Hewitt Murch and the other D-Day veterans that landed from Swift Current right in front of Canada House."
Hewitt Murch passed away on February 19, 2015, at Cypress House in Swift Current and is buried in the Field of Honour at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.