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Decoration Day: We need to remember and thank our veterans

Decoration Day, which takes place on June 9 this year, was the only Canadian remembrance of veterans for many years before the adoption of Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. 
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Deb Gabora laid a wreath in tribute to the sacrifices of our veterans during the 2023 Decoration Day service at the Canora Cemetery.

CANORA - Decoration Day is the second annual service of remembrance that is celebrated by some Royal Canadian Legions, which began on 2 June 1890. This was the only Canadian remembrance of veterans for many years before the adoption of Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. 

The veterans themselves originally placed decorations on the Canadian Volunteers Monument to help commemorate the sacrifices of veterans at the Battle of Ridgeway on June 2, 1866, which was the first Canadian battle consisting exclusively of Canadian enlisted men and officers. The legion’s role is to remember and honour deceased veterans and to support living veterans and families as needed.   

The Royal Canadian Legion Canora Branch has continued this tradition for many years, but has not received much public participation or support. There is a brief ecumenical service conducted at the Royal Canadian Legion Monument at the Canora Cemetery, followed immediately by a time of fellowship at the Legion Dugout. A simple brief advertisement is placed in the Canora Courier each year inviting public attendance. There is the placement of wreaths on the gravestones of veterans. This is another occasion to honour, respect, and thank our veterans for their sacrifices and to acknowledge what they have done for us. We do not forget them.   

This year the Decoration Day Service is planned for Sunday, June 9th at 1 p.m. (1300 hours). We hope to see you there to support our efforts and acknowledge veterans.     

Don't count on social media to deliver your local news to you. Keep your news a touch away by bookmarking Canora Courier's homepage at this link.

Bookmark SASKTODAY.ca, Saskatchewan's home page, at this link.

 

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