Thousands gathered at the Brandt Centre in Regina on Sunday to remember the sacrifices made by the country’s military personnel.
The ceremony marked a significant anniversary — 100 years since the conclusion of the First World War.
Personal connection to the Great War
Soldiering runs deep in Terry Duncan’s family.
Both his grandfathers fought in the First World War and his father served in the Second World War. He had seven uncles in the military.
Duncan is the Sergeant at Arms for Regina’s branch of the Royal Canadian Legion — a member since 1970 — and he was proud to participate in Sunday’s ceremony.
“If you took a close up of me marching people on and off, you would probably see a tear,” Duncan said.
It’s important to remember the First World War, he said, because it was a conflict that led to a Canadian identity.
Last year was the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which was the first time Canadians fought as a single unit.
“What we showed to the world was something that no one expected. We were just a British colony and we made ourselves Canada,” Duncan said.
Quite a sight at this morning's Remembrance Day ceremony at the Brandt Centre. Near capacity crowd too. #yqr pic.twitter.com/AWunu3SFQ8
— Joseph Ho (@_josephho) November 11, 2018
In the presence of allies
With a little closer inspection, one could spot the friendship with Canada’s closest ally during the ceremony.
Kenneth Simon is a retired U.S. Army officer and the post commander at the American Legion in Plentywood, Mont.
He said their members were returning the favour after RCMP visited to observe their Memorial Day ceremony in May.
“It’s important for us to come out and reciprocate our respect for your country’s soldiers as it is for them to come down to respect ours,” Simon said.