This spring, countries around the world will celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when the Allies received the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Canadians played an important part in the victory, and soldiers from southwest Saskatchewan were particularly involved in the liberation of the Netherlands, completed on May 5, 1945.
To mark the proud, yet solemn event, the Swift Current Legion (Branch 56) will hold a ceremony and host a banquet on Saturday, May 3. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park, and the banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion hall.
As Branch 56 public relations officer John Griffin explains, the occasion will provide an opportunity to reflect on the region’s key contribution in World War II.
“Many people from Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan served during the Second World War,” he says, citing the local 8th Reconnaissance Regiment (14th Canadian Hussars). “They played a pivotal role in the liberation of the Netherlands.”
(Photo Credit: Ken Bell/Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/PA-138408)
Fighting in the Low Countries was quite difficult because of the canals and flood lands, and from the initial action in the Scheldt Estuary to the May 5 surrender, more than 7,600 Canadians gave their lives to liberate the Dutch people, including 46 members of the 8th Reconnaissance.
There were many thousands of stories to come out of the liberation campaign, and Griffin is personally committed to telling as many as he can.
“Through my own work, whether through the Legion or genealogical research, I try to tell as many stories as I can to preserve their memory,” he says. “That way, future generations can learn about what they did.”
It’s important work, especially given the few World War II veterans remaining.
Griffin points out that anniversaries like the 80th of VE Day take on added relevance during times of geopolitical instability.
“We’re in turbulent times now, and maybe anniversaries like these will help cooler heads to prevail,” he says. “We can be reminded of the devastation, of the sacrifices made. Freedom isn’t free.”
Those wishing to parade with the Legion to the cenotaph are asked to meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Legion, from where they’ll march to the cenotaph. Following the ceremony, all are invited back to the Legion for museum tours and a social gathering.
The banquet, running from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., costs $35 to attend and will feature a roast beef dinner by Country Hills Catering. After the meal, a concert featuring Green Brae’s Pipes and Drums, Darian and Aryden, Marcus Braun, and Darrin Schwartz. Tickets for the concert itself (without the banquet) are $10 and can be purchased at the door.
“Everyone’s support means a lot to us as a Legion and to us as a community,” says Griffin. “We’re ever grateful for that support.”
Banquet tickets can be purchased at the office and in the lounge at the Legion.
To learn more about the Swift Current Legion, people are encouraged to visit the Branch 56 website. The Legion can also be reached by calling (306) 773-2766 or emailing rclbranch56sc@gmail.com.