Subdued V-E ceremony for province
The ceremony was different than past events honouring soldiers, but the spirit remained the same. The premier and lieutenant-governor quickly and quietly gathered Friday in Regina to mark the 75th anniversary of V-E Day.
1 Only a few in attendance
Premier Scott Moe, Lt.-gov. Russ Mirasty, Mirasty’s wife Donna and NDP Opposition MLA Nicole Sarauer were among the small group on Friday, remaining physically distant during the modified ceremony at the Saskatchewan War Memorial to honour the service and sacrifice of those who wore a Canadian uniform.
2 One notable tradition
A moment of silence was observed while a trumpeter played the Last Post and Rouse. Also, the lieutenant-governor and premier each laid a wreath at the war memorial, which includes the names of all Saskatchewan people who died in service. According to the province, the online version — managed by the Saskatchewan War Memorial Committee — features more than 11,000 war and peacekeeping casualties.
3 Saskatchewan’s contribution during the war
Moe described Saskatchewan’s efforts during the war as “tremendous ... We recognize the tens of thousands of men and women from this province who contributed to Allied success both at home and abroad, most importantly the more than 5,000 Saskatchewan residents who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.”
4 V-E Day marks end of fighting for most Canadian forces
On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in the Second World War was formally accepted by the Allies. It marked the end of fighting in Europe — V-E Day is short for Victory in Europe Day — and largely represented the end of fighting for Canadian forces after almost six years.
“May we never forget those who sacrificed their lives for us,” Sarauer tweeted following the ceremony.
5 Lieutenant-governor urges reflection
Canadian forces were involved in “six long years of fighting,” Mirasty noted, urging people to “remember them and to honour their legacy of peace ... As the years pass, it becomes increasingly important that we remember the Canadians who served.”