YORKTON, Sask. — The Lest We Forget Flag is flying over Yorkton once again as the community begins a week dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans ahead of Remembrance Day.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Yorkton Branch, city representatives and community members gathered Nov. 5 for the annual flag-raising ceremony, during which the Canadian flag was lowered and the Lest We Forget Flag raised in its place.
The flag will remain flying throughout Veterans' Week, serving as a visible reminder of the importance of remembering those who served.
"It's one day, but now we have a week to remember," said Matt Stringfellow, a service officer with the Yorkton Legion.
Stringfellow said the annual tradition helps ensure residents recognize the significance of the week leading up to Remembrance Day.
Representing the City of Yorkton, Coun. Randy Goulden said the city values its longstanding partnership with the Legion in commemorating veterans and preserving local Remembrance Day traditions.
"We would like to thank the Royal Canadian Legion, Yorkton Branch, for continuing the work that they do in our city and area to recognize the dedication of our veterans over the many years and all the service that they did for the residents that enjoy the lives we have in our area," Goulden said.
The ceremony also highlighted how local Remembrance Day observances have evolved over the years.
Goulden recalled a time when services were regularly held outdoors in November weather, something that often brought challenging conditions for participants.
"Over the years, the City of Yorkton has provided space indoors now so that we are not out in the elements because you can never predict the weather," he said.
The city now works with the legion to provide Flexi Hall at the Gallagher Centre for local Remembrance Day services, offering a more comfortable setting for veterans, families and residents attending the ceremonies.
The raising of the Lest We Forget Flag marks the start of a period of reflection leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, when communities across Canada will pause to honour the men and women who served their country in times of war, military conflict and peacekeeping operations.
