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Bob Oldford salutes a wreath at the Portage Cenotaph
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Bob Oldford salutes after placing a wreath at the Portage la Prairie Cenotaph early Thursday morning to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt
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A wreath was placed at the Portage la Prairie Cenotaph early Thursday morning to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, quietly honouring the end of the Second World War in Europe and those who served.

The wreath-laying took place at 7:30 a.m. and will remain at the site until sunset. The act of remembrance acknowledged a turning point in Canadian and world history.

‘All of the known worlds celebrated’

Bob Oldford, service officer and past president of the Portage Legion Branch 65, laid the wreath on behalf of the local branch.

“It's the day where the Germans finally surrendered in Europe and the signing of a treaty at that time, which Canada was a major part in,” said Oldford. “And it's a day that... let's put it this way. All of the known worlds celebrated. Europe, Canada, US, everything else celebrated because it was an end of a long war and a lot of lives were lost.”

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Bob Oldford places a wreath at the Portage la Prairie Cenotaph early Thursday morning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt

Canada’s pivotal role in the liberation of Europe

From September 1944 to April 1945, the First Canadian Army played a crucial role in the liberation of the Netherlands, helping to free Dutch civilians who had endured extreme hunger and hardship under German occupation. The Canadian forces also played a leading role in opening the Scheldt estuary in Belgium and the Netherlands, which was vital for maintaining Allied supply lines as they advanced toward Germany.

In 1945, following the successful Battle of the Scheldt, Canadian forces helped liberate the northeastern and western Netherlands as they continued to push back German forces. Their efforts culminated in the official surrender of Nazi Germany in early May.

This year, Veterans Affairs Canada and its partners are marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with events in Canada and overseas, commemorating key moments like the Liberation of the Netherlands, VE Day, and Victory over Japan Day.

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A wreath rests at the base of the Portage la Prairie Cenotaph located in Veterans Memorial Park. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt

Conflict continued in the Pacific

While VE Day marked the end of fighting in Europe, the war continued in the Pacific theatre.

“There was still the conflict with Japan, which did not end till some time in August. And at that time then we celebrated,” Oldford said.

On August 14, 1945, Japanese forces surrendered, marking the unofficial end of the Second World War.

A time for reflection and gratitude

Oldford, a Canadian Forces veteran, said remembering VE Day is about more than honouring history — it's about recognizing those who fought, those who serve today, and the freedoms their sacrifices made possible.

“It's important to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us as individuals, allowing us to live with freedom,” he said. “It's important to remember those that paid that sacrifice, those that continue to serve and those that have served in the past and are still here with us to celebrate these things.”

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The Portage Cenotaph contains a list of 74 individuals from the Portage area who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt

Legion’s mission extends beyond veterans

The Portage Legion remains active and growing. Oldford said the organization welcomes all members of the community, not just veterans.

“We remind people that you do not have to be a veteran to be a member of the Legion and we would be more than happy to have you come down and join us,” he said. “And participate in supporting the community. That's what the Legion is about, not only helping veterans and their families, but also supporting the community.”

The Portage Legion will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2028.

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