For the first time in recent memory, and likely the first time ever, Yorkton Council has not declared Veteran’s Week in the city.
At the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Barry Whitehead, president of the General Alexander Ross branch of the Royal Canadian Legion made the annual request.
The Legion head began his presentation stating, “2019 is another year where we have a chance to say thank you to those many men and women who so bravely gave of themselves to give us the opportunities and freedoms we have today.” He then proceeded with the request. “With this in mind, the Royal Canadian Legion General Alexander Ross Branch #77 would request the City of Yorkton to recognize November 5 – 11 as Veteran’s Week and we will fly the flag of remembrance on the flagpole at the cenotaph on Darlington Street. The flag raising will take place on the 5th of November at 1000 hours and the Legion invites the Mayor and Council to take part in the flag raising ceremony along with citizens of Yorkton.”
The request however was never discussed by Council as they chose simply to record and file the presentation, a process where it becomes part of the official record of Council, but the specific request is not acted on.
In addition to the request for the City to recognize Veteran’s Week, Whitehead did take the opportunity to outline some of the activities that will happen leading up to the official Remembrance Day service Nov. 11.
Other events taking place are Poppy Tag Day which begins our Remembrance Week campaign on Saturday, October 26 with Cadets, Scouts and Cubs distributing and taking donations for poppies at different businesses throughout Yorkton. Again this year in preparation we approached St. Paul’s School, Columbia School and Sacred Heart High School to prepare 20,000 poppies for Tag Day. Regional High School students, under the supervision of Comrade Perry Ostapowich, will be distributing poppies and trays to Yorkton businesses. We thank these young men and women for giving up their Saturday to sell and distribute poppies on behalf of all our Veterans, outlined Whitehead’s presentation.
Wreath sales begin on October 26, with Veterans and members of the Legion going to local businesses in Yorkton, Bredenbury, Saltcoats and Churchbridge selling wreaths. If anybody would like a wreath to honour the Veterans, please give us a call at 306-783-9789 or email branch77yorkton@gmail.com
Starting on Tuesday, November 5, our Colour Parties will be attending remembrance ceremonies at schools and nursing homes in Yorkton and Saltcoats. While at the schools, we will pick up the many entries in our poster and literary contests.
A Candlelight Tribute Ceremony will take place November 10, at 1800 hours at the Cenotaph on Darlington. Candles will be placed by children who are homeschooled.
Monday November 11, will be our Remembrance Day service in the Flexihall at the Gallagher Centre. We would like everyone seated by 1045 hours and we thank Council for allowing us to host the parade at this venue. After the service, we will be hosting a luncheon in the Gallagher Centre. All are invited to come and have refreshments and social time with the Veterans.
