People across Saskatchewan will take pause Saturday to reflect on the sacrifice and service of Canada’s military men and women.
A number of Remembrance Day events are scheduled in Saskatoon and Regina on Nov. 11, including the country’s largest indoor ceremony at SaskTel Centre.
Royal Canadian Legions in both cities will be open to the public throughout the day, with Regina’s branch hosting its annual service at Victoria Park.
In lieu of regular programming, 650 CKOM and 980 CJME will air Saskatchewan Remembers from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The following is a list of Remembrance Day events in your city:
Remembrance service in Victoria Park
When the Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1926, Regina was the very first branch to receive its charter – Branch 001.
Keeping with its long-standing tradition, Regina Royal Canadian Legion will host a Remembrance Day parade and service at Victoria Park.
The parade to the cenotaph starts at 10:15 a.m., with the Ceremony of Remembrance held at the sacred spot in Victoria Park at 10:30 a.m.
The legion, located on Cornwall Street, will serve lunch at 11:30 a.m. with the museum opening for tours at noon.
Entertainment is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
Regina Transit will be running regular buses on the Sunday routes and schedules.
Remembrance Day Service at the Brandt Centre
People in Regina can also take in the annual Remembrance Day Service at the Brandt Centre Saturday.
Doors open at 9 a.m., with the ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
People are asked to be seated by 10:20 a.m. at the latest.
Saskatoon Remembrance Day Service and Parade
This two-hour ceremony is known to be Canada’s largest indoor service.
SaskTel Centre doors open at 9 a.m., with the choir starting 9:25 a.m. The service gets underway an hour later and runs until 12:15 p.m. Public parking is available at the arena.
Saskatoon Transit is offering free service for the event available from the following locations:
- Downtown Special Events Stop (23rd Street & 2nd Avenue) – buses departing every 15 minutes between 9:00 and 10:15 a.m.
- Market Mall – Departure from the mall transit terminal at 9:45 a.m.
- The Centre Mall – Departure from the mall transit terminal at 9:45 a.m.
Return trips will begin immediately following the close of ceremonies.
Anyone who can’t make it to the arena service is invited to watch the broadcast at the Nutana Legion on Louise Street.
Outdoor service in Montgomery Park
Saskatoon’s Montgomery Park neighbourhood is rich with military history – with street names dedicated to Second World War people, places and planes.
An outdoor service will be held at the cairn in Montgomery Park, starting at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.
People are invited to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in the lower hall of St. David’s Trinity United Church following the ceremony.
University of Saskatchewan
The U of S will continue its tradition of recognizing the sacrifices and contribution of the university community since the First World War.
The ceremony, held for the past 89 years, takes place at the memorial gates on campus at 1:30 p.m.
Saskatoon legion events
The Royal Canadian Legion branches in Saskatoon will both offer lunches and entertainment following the Remembrance Day ceremony at SaskTel Centre.
The Nutana Legion on Louise Street and Legion Branch 63 on Spadina Crescent will open at noon. Neither require membership or a fee for entrance.
Bands, pipers and dancers will perform between 1 p.m. until around 4 p.m.
The Nutana Legion’s artifacts museum will be open to the public for free – with knowledgeable staff on hand – from noon to 4 p.m.
The Army Navy and Air Force Veterans on 1st Avenue North will also host lunch and entertainment free to the public starting at 2 p.m.
Annual tribute to veterans past and present
Saskatoon Chamber Singers launch their 40th anniversary season on Nov. 11, with an annual tribute to veterans past and present.
The concert, titled Retrospection and Reflection, features music and words appropriate to a service of remembrance.
There are two show times – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. – both at Knox United Church in Saskatoon.
Tickets are available at McNally Robinson Booksellers, at the door or through the Saskatoon Chamber Singers website. Free parking is available in the StarPhoenix parking lot.