Reginans take time to remember those who sacrificed lives

On Thursday morning, Canadians from coast to coast stood silent to remember those who paid the ultimate price in war so everyone could live in freedom.

For the largest commemoration at the Brandt Centre, thousands stood and paid tribute by praying and singing with the delegation on hand. Then, at 11 a.m. a moment of silence was observed for those who lost their lives.

“It’s a good time for remembrance,” Hon. Col. Ken Garbutt, a retired member of the Canadian Army, and organizer of the ceremony said. “It’s one day that we can take our time out and think of those who gave their lives.”

The veteran company that marched through the Brandt Centre represented soldiers from World War One, World War Two and the Korean War, but many say it is also important to remember those who fought in the decades after them.

“We’ve been involved in more squirmishes and wars since World War One than you can shake a stick at,” Hon. Col. Garbutt said, “and we’ve had troops just about everywhere.”

Canada will continue its mission in Afghanistan until next summer. So far, 152 Canadians have already lost their lives, including Corporal Jeffrey Walsh from Regina. His mother Margaret took time to lay a wreath at the ceremony. She represented mothers who lost their children in war.

Two grade 12 students from Thom Collegiate, Jordan Kemp and Hayley Miller read a speech, representing the next generation to carry the torch of remembrance.

“Often it is very difficult to appreciate the enormous sacrifice that others have made,” Kemp said in the speech.

Kemp shared a story with the hushed crowd about losing her grandfather. She did not have an opportunity to ask him about his experiences in war before he passed away. Kemp told the crowd to take advantage of those who can share wartime stories.

“I think that’s a mistake that a lot of people make,” Kemp said. “Hopefully other people won’t make it and we can grow.”

Miller says it is important to recognize the sacrifice that was made.

“We need to take the time at least once a year to thank them for what they’ve done, because their sacrifice is immense,” Miller said.

A memorial service and wreath-laying was also held at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park.