Released on April 9, 2010
A national commemorative ceremony was held today to mark the end of an era and honour all First World War service men and women at the National War Memorial & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Ontario.
This ceremony occurs after the passing of John "Jack" Babcock, the last living Canadian First World War veteran. Organized by the Government of Canada, the ceremony marks not only the passing of all veterans of this era, but also the end of Canada's living link with the First World War as well.
"The heroic efforts of our soldiers at Vimy Ridge and other First World War battlefields marked a coming of age for Canada as a nation," Premier Brad Wall said. "The brave Canadians who served in the First World War deserve our constant remembrance and gratitude."
On Monday, April 12, a provincial ceremony will be held at the Saskatchewan War Memorial, west of the Legislative Building. Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony, which begins at 12:30 p.m. and will last approximately 30 minutes.
Flags at the Saskatchewan War Memorial and Legislative Building will be flown at half-staff on April 12 and a Book of Reflection will be available to the public for signing in the Legislative Building until April 23. Following this time, it will be given to Veterans Affairs, along with books from other provinces and territories, in order to serve as a reminder for all Canadians of the significance of the end of this era.
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For more information, contact:
Nicole Fellinger
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2687
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca