Medicine Hat golf tournament to honour veterans with exclusive participation

The tournament is held on Red Shirt Friday, or R.E.D., standing for Remember Everyone Deployed — a fitting backdrop to honour those who’ve served, Burry said.

It is a fully funded, shotgun-style tournament with 120 participants, dozens of volunteers, and “overwhelming support” from the local community and beyond.

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“From team prizes and hole challenges to a silent auction, the generosity has come from every corner of Alberta and across Canada,” Burry said.

Burry said veterans often face challenges after service that can lead to isolation.

She said the tournament gives them a moment of recognition, belonging, and genuine connection.

“On the course, they’re not alone — they’re surrounded by others who understand their journey and by a community that values their contributions,” she said.

While the tournament is exclusively for veterans, it’s been built through tremendous community support — through donated prizes, auction items, sponsorships, and volunteerism.

Burry said though the public isn’t participating in the tournament itself, they’ve shown up in a powerful way behind the scenes.

“That collective support is deeply meaningful — it shows our veterans they are seen, supported, and appreciated,” she said.

Funds raised are split between two organizations with deep, lasting impacts on Canada’s veterans.

Veterans Association Food Bank supports veterans across Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — not just with food, but with dignity.

Services include monthly hampers with essentials like groceries, hygiene items, socks, and holiday hampers delivered during times that can feel especially isolating.

Also provided is financial assistance for rent, utilities, and household bills, mental health and legal support, pet care support for emotional service animals, and help navigating Veterans Affairs.

Since 2009, Calgary’s Memorial Drive, or Field of Crosses, becomes a sacred space each November with over 3,700 crosses representing Southern Albertans who gave their lives in service, and 120 more symbolizing Canada’s total 120,000 fallen.

Lit 24/7 for 11 days, it draws thousands to reflect, remember, and honour. Sunrise and sunset ceremonies feature flag raisings and moments of silence.

“It’s not about who you are or whether you served; it’s about doing our part to honour those who did,” Burry said.

“We all have an instinctive obligation to pay our respects to those who came before us,” she added.

“The life we enjoy in this country wasn’t given — it was earned through the sacrifices of others.”

Burry said she’s grateful to those who served a higher purpose “so that we can live in the Canada we know today”.

She said Valour on the Green shines a spotlight on the vital organizations that it will support

“It raises funds, yes — but more importantly, it raises awareness, connection, and appreciation for our veterans,” she said.

“When we support our veterans, we strengthen our communities and keep our shared history alive.”

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Medicine Hat golf tournament to honour veterans with exclusive participation

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