Royal Canadian Legion Commemorates D-Day

In honour of the 71st anniversary of D-Day, The Royal Canadian Legion in Swift Current will be holding a service and parade this Sunday.

This event recognizes the sacrifices our soldiers made during the largest sea-borne invasion in history that led to the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control in WW2.

Past President at Branch 56 and 25-year member, Jim Pratt, says there are fewer and fewer D-Day veterans left, adding that it's up to the younger generation to continue on with commemorating this important day.

"It was certainly I think one of the most important events of World War 2 and probably one that really changed the whole face of the war and led to an Allied victory eventually, so we really have to give supreme thanks to those members of the armed forces who faught at D-Day and gave us the freedoms that we have today," he explained. "From speaking to veterans over the years, this could be a fairly emotional time for them because it brought back a lot of memories. They probably lost some of their comrades during the D-Day activities, so it was sort of mixed emotions I think on the part of the veterans. On the other hand, I think it gave them a pretty warm feeling to know that the next generations were in fact remembering the sacrifices they made. It meant a lot to them that we would honour them on D-Day."

Pratt says because of the lessening amount of veterans, The Royal Canadian Legion relies heavily on the Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, and Navy League Cadets to carry out the commemoration.

"They take part in our parades all the time, and certainly without the support of the Cadets we'd probably have some pretty small parades, but they pitch in. They take part in our colour party, they stand guard at the cenotaph, they take part in wreath laying ceremonies and so on, so we're really thankful that we have their support as well," he said. "It's always nice when we march from the Legion to the cenotaph to see people in the park taking part in the ceremony that we have, and the same with the church service, so everyone is encouraged to come out."

The public is invited to meet at the Legion at 9:15 where they will then march off to the cenotaph at 9:30 on Sunday morning.

Following the program at the cenotaph, the Legion will take part in a parade at St. Stephen's Anglican Church beginning at 10:30am.