There was a fine celebration of VE Day at the Cenotaph today. The highlight was the presentation of the Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour to three men from West Central Saskatchewan: Merv Strutt and Harvey Balderson of Kindersley and Jim McCullough of Rosetown. Today was a day to celebrate victory over evil and remember the ultimate sacrifice of the soldiers ensuring the supremacy of good. It was also a time to remember the millions of civilians who lost their lives because of enemy fire and starvation.
Kindersley is home to victims of World War 2. People who have come here after living under the terror of the Nazis and the horrors of the Red Army of the Soviet Army. I have met holocaust survivors with their ID numbers on their wrist and survivors of the Nazis and the Red Army and I have come away with the utmost respect for them and their ability to survive; their resilience is remarkable.
I'm struck with the irony of these types of days: we need to remember important events like WW2 and the holocaust so we don't repeat it. Yet, for the survivors, I can only assume they would rather forget it if they could. Our responsibility is to do what we can so it is the better angel of natures that shape and mould our world.
Here are some pictures of today's celebration.
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| Marching to the Cenotaph. May 8, 2015 |
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| The Piper. May 8, 2015 |
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| Merv Strutt escorted by Ernie Krepps followed by Harvey Balderson and Jim McCullough. May 8, 2015 |
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| Last Post performed by Colleen Oscar-Swan. May 8, 2015 |
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| The Wreaths. May 8, 2015 |
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| Don Furhman presenting the French Awards. May 8, 2015 |
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| The new French Knights. May 8, 2015 |
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| The new French Knights. May 8, 2015 |
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