Released on September 13, 2013
Saturday, September 14, members of the public are invited to a memorial service beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Saskatchewan War Memorial on the Legislative Building grounds to honour the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Britain. In the same service, two names will be added to the plaque honouring Saskatchewan members of the Canadian military who sacrificed their lives to the conflict in Afghanistan.
Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield will be in attendance as Saskatchewan residents remember those who helped defend Britain from German air attack and ultimately prevented a planned invasion by sea. Of the more than 100 pilots from Canada who fought bravely in the Battle of Britain, 15 were from Saskatchewan.
The air battle raged from July 10 to October 31, 1940.
The Lieutenant Governor will unveil the Afghanistan plaque with the names of two additional Saskatchewan casualties – Master Corporal Allan Stewart from Esterhazy and Master Corporal Byron Greff from Swift Current.
“I encourage everyone to attend this meaningful ceremony when we will remember all who served in the important Battle of Britain,” Solomon Schofield said. “This is also an opportunity to come together to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have died in the war in Afghanistan. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude and it is incumbent upon each of us to honour their memory and to support their families.”
Regina South MLA Bill Hutchinson will lay a wreath on behalf of the province. Wreaths will also be laid on behalf of the Government of Canada, the City of Regina and the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. There will be a fly-past from 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony at the Saskatchewan War Memorial just west of the Legislative Building on Memorial Way.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Linda Smith
Provincial Capital Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: linda.smith2@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927