Watch above: honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending Canada’s freedom
SASKATOON – Citizens Decoration Day gives family and friends a day to remember those brave men and women who have fallen defending our country. In Saskatoon, the 91st annual parade and ceremony included legion members, ANAVET members, cadets and armed forces.
Those who wish to honour a fallen soldier can purchase a brass plaque and memorial tree at Woodlawn Cemetery along Memorial Lane. Since June 2013, 34 ex-service personnel and spouses have been buried in the veteran’s field.
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Bernie Wilkinson travelled from Victoria to honour the uncle he never had a chance to meet. After discovering last year that Wilkinson’s memorial plaque had disappeared, he ensured that a new one was made, and the plaque and tree were rededicated in this year’s service.
“I’ve heard the saying, ‘We give veterans Remembrance Day,’ well one day isn’t enough. I came here, like many people, to honour them giving up their lives to ensure Canada is as safe as it is today,” said Wilkinson.
WWII and Korea War veteran Irving Larson is full of war stories; he comes to citizens decoration day every year.
“It’s a way of thanking those who protected Canada. I have a few medals myself, but lots of those men didn’t make it back. I’m honoured to be here and representing those who couldn’t be here,” said Larson.
Memorial Lane is open to the public at Woodlawn Cemetery, located near the north entrance.
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