Regina Royal Canadian Legion hosting Vimy Ridge Commemorative Ceremony on Sunday

Bringing together all the elements of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 001 in Regina, SK will be hosting a Vimy Ridge Commemorative Ceremony on April 9.

The ceremony will begin on the morning of April 9 with a troop service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Following this, nearly 250 boots, Army, Navy and Air Force, will march from the Cathedral to the local cenotaph. The troops will be led by the Army Cadet League, to give the youth an opportunity to take part in this historic event.

“We’re trying to unite the military in Regina, in the province,” said Ron Hitchcock, Chairmen of the Committee for the Vimy Ridge Commemorative Ceremony, RCL.

Weather permitting, a pipe band will be marching alongside the troops and a bugle will be playing the Last Post.

The public is encouraged to come out and view the proceeding and commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

“It’s all about your freedom. There’s nothing free about it. Simply going to a Remembrance Day service once a year and thanking a veteran for their service isn’t sufficient. That should be done on a regular basis and to emphasize I would encourage the public, especially the new Canadians, that the freedom we enjoy today came at a great sacrifice and we need to remember that very frequently,” emphasized Hitchcock.

Hitchcock strongly believes in the importance of commemorating Vimy Ridge.

“It’s the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Army got together and fought a battle.

“We made our mark in the Commonwealth, and it was the birth of a nation,” said Hitchcock.

Following the commemorative ceremony, the RCL will also be hosting a rededication ceremony of Branch #001, which had been temporarily closed. The front of the building has been declared a heritage site. The ceremony will also include a rededication of the museum and library.

The RCL Museum will be open for viewing on Saturday April 8, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The RCL Branch 001 Vimy Ridge Commemorative Ceremony will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Victoria Park. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.