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In early June, representatives from Harvard Developments and The Hill Companies, including Dave Pettigrew, Michelle Carr, Kyleah Smandych, and Mo Bundon, had the honour of travelling to Bretteville l’Orgueilleuse, France, to join the town in commemorating its liberation by the Regina Rifles on June 7, 1944.

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As an exciting follow-up, Harvard's Kyleah Smandych, Senior Financial Planner, has now been recognized with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for her outstanding contributions to the success of the statue unveiling.

Kyleah says the honour came as a complete surprise.

“I attended an Armistice Dinner on November 10, where a fellow Rifles Trust committee member approached me and asked if he could pin something on my dress,” Kyleah recalls. “I said yes, unsure of what it was for. Moments later, I was called to the front of the room, where Saskatchewan Senator Marty Klyne presented me with the medal, which was attached to the special pin I had just received.”

This distinguished award is given to Canadians who have made a significant impact on their country, provinces, or communities—or achieved something extraordinary abroad that brings credit to Canada.

“Receiving the medal was a complete surprise and totally unexpected,” Kyleah reflects. “I’m so grateful to the planning committee for their support and to Curtis Kleisinger, who invited me to join the Rifles Trust board as treasurer last year."

If you are interested in learning more about the groups tour through Europe, the Brandt PR team has created a documentary covering the trip. The film chronicles the creation of the statue, its journey to France, and the unveiling ceremony. It also highlights the group’s tour through Europe, showcasing the contributions of the Regina Rifle Regiment and its deep significance to veterans, their families, descendants, the City of Regina, the Province, Indigenous communities, and today’s service members.

The documentary is available online at www.rrrtrust.org.

“This opportunity allowed me to work on such a meaningful project and connect with so many incredible people,” Kyleah says. “I’m honoured to have been part of this initiative, to visit historic sites, and to represent our city and country. This experience—and the medal—are something I will cherish forever.”