Released on May 8, 2020
Today Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty and Mrs. Donna Mirasty, joined Premier Scott Moe at the Saskatchewan War Memorial to commemorate the end of hostilities in Europe during the Second World War.
Victory in Europe Day on May 8, is particularly important to Canadians as it largely marked the end to fighting for Canadian Forces after nearly six years of war.
“On May 8, 1945, the Allies accepted Germany’s surrender and after six long years of fighting, the Second World War came to an end in Europe,” Mirasty said. “As the years pass, it becomes increasingly important that we remember the Canadians who served. We owe them our deep gratitude. Please take a moment today to remember them, and to honour their legacy of peace.”
“Saskatchewan’s contribution throughout the Second World War was tremendous,” Moe said. “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.”
While remaining physically distant, the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Mirasty and Premier Moe gathered at the Saskatchewan War Memorial to remember the service and sacrifice of the sailors, soldiers and air personnel during the war.
A moment of silence was observed while a trumpeter played the “Last Post” and “Rouse.” Following this, the Lieutenant Governor and Premier Moe each laid a wreath at the war memorial.
The Saskatchewan War Memorial lists the names of all of Saskatchewan’s fallen. The online version, managed by the Saskatchewan War Memorial Committee, features more than 11,000 war and peacekeeping casualties and their stories.
To find out more about the Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial, visit www.svwm.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Brittany Compton
Intergovernmental Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5389
Email: Brittany.Compton@gov.sk.ca