‘Time to remember:’ Regina observes Remembrance Day

On Saturday, hundreds of people young and old gathered around the Cenotaph in Regina’s Victoria Park to observe Remembrance Day.

The sun shone on solemn faces as people stood in the chilly morning cold, attentively listening to speeches and watching the ceremony unfold.

Margot Mack said she makes an effort to go to Victoria Park every year for the ceremony.

“I’m here out of complete respect for those that have been to war and those that continue in that struggle and we’re facing lots of that globally right now, sadly,” she said.

Mack said the part she appreciates the most about Remembrance Day is the moment of silence that is often observed throughout the Commonwealth.

For her, the cold weather isn’t an issue at all.

“I think of always the World War I vets and the kind of cold and misery that they endured and I just think (the rest of us for a few moments) in our full parkas, hoods and boots (should think) ‘You know what, I can do this,’ ” Mack said.

The base of the Cenotaph was dotted by bright red poppies. By the end of the ceremony, several wreaths rested at its base as well — some placed by participating organizations (like the Royal Canadian Legion or the Canadian Armed Forces) and others placed there by members of the public.

“I just came here to pay my respects to everybody who’s fallen and take in the ceremony,” said Chad Hanson, a six-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Hanson served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Hanson also said his great-grandfather served in the Second World War.

“This is my first time down here for (Remembrance Day),” Hanson said.

“I got out (of the armed forces) two years ago and haven’t done anything for Remembrance Day since, but I figured this year I should probably do something.”

Hundreds gathered at Victoria Park in Regina to mark Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, 2023. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

Brandt Centre Remembrance Day service

Normally, the Brandt Centre is filled with excited hockey fans. On Saturday, the arena was full, but everyone sat silently and wore a poppy.

For Allen Hillsden, 79, coming to the service is a no-brainer.

“Why would people NOT want to be out at Remembrance Day? It’s a time to remember (what) the soldiers, sailors and airmen have done to provide us with the freedoms that we’re enjoying in this country,” said Hillsden.

He has many family members who served, including his father and four brothers.

“Thank God they all came back,” he said.

Hillsden said going to a service like this is a simple way to remember the sacrifice of others.

“The freedoms that we have are because all these young men and women went to war to give us these freedoms. They realized they had to step to the plate and do something, and they did,” he said.

Hillsden said he’s thankful for everyone who has served to keep Canada and his family safe.

“I’m thankful that my kids have not had to go to war because of what (others) have done,” he said.

A large crowd gathered at the Brandt Centre for its Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11, 2023. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Well over 1,000 people were in the seats at the Brandt Centre. A lot of families were in attendance.

That made Bill Gallagher, a Legion member, very happy.

“It’s great. We’ve got to keep the memory of those alive who have gone before us. This generation are the ones that will keep it going,” said Gallagher.

He’s from Branch 133 in Stoughton southeast of Regina and has been a member for 11 years.

Remembrance Day is an important event for Gallagher, especially since he’s a fourth-generation veteran. He also had numerous uncles and an aunt who served.

“I just want to show respect and honour (his family members’) memory and the memory of all that have served and those who didn’t come home at all,” he said.

His overall message is that people continue to remember.

“Remember and respect everybody, whether it be past, present or even future military. That’s their memory that we remember,” said Gallagher.

The Ceremonial Parade just entered, they were led by the RCMP Pipes and Drums. @CJMENews pic.twitter.com/OXTz4IFeaZ

— Nicole Garn (@garnnic) November 11, 2023

— With files from 980 CJME’s Nicole Garn