A local World War II vet had a birthday party over the weekend, bringing out local officials, the Swift Current Legion, and representatives of the Regina Rifles- all bearing gifts. 

John Watson was a private in the Canadian Armed Forces, travelling from the British Isles to France, Germany, and across the European theatre as a private in the armed forces. Born and raised in the Swift Current area, Watson celebrated his 98th birthday in the local legion with special guests from many backgrounds. 

John Watson joined the Royal Regina Rifles in 1944 at 18 years old, warranting a visit from the esteemed branch an unbelievable 80 years later. He first received a beret upon his request to complete his uniform which he wears to Remembrance Day ceremonies. 

Chief Warrant Officer Robi Wagman, the regimental Sergeant major of the Royal Regina Rifles gave Watson a pair of rare and important coins meant to commemorate all he has done. The first coin was a regimental command team coin Wagman and the commanding officer handed out for excellence. To date, only 48 of these have ever been awarded. The second coin presented to Watson was a regimental coin recognizing two-course qualifications and was about the 600th to be awarded. 

Beyond military personnel and legion members, Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal and MLA Everett Hindley also attended the celebration.  

John Griffin, the public relations officer for Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 56 hosted the celebration. 

“He is one of our last remaining Second World War veterans, a longtime member of our branch, a good personal friend of mine, and a good friend to many down here at the Legion,” said Griffin. “He's turning a young 98 on the 18th so we thought we'd throw him a little birthday party... On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, I presented Mr. Watson with the Royal Canadian Legion challenge coin... We thought it was a very fitting gift for Mr. Watson, who's given so much to our organization and been a member for so long.” 

Watson’s son, Bob Watson received the same medal for his 50 years devoted to the legion. 

Watson stated he was “very proud to be a part of the Swift Current Legion,” and that the event was “the largest birthday [he’d] ever had.” 

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