Veteran says a chilly Remembrance Day service reinforced a strong meaning

A cold Remembrance Day ceremony around the Cenotaph in Victoria Park sent a powerful message, according to Brad Hrycyna.

Hrycyna, a retired major who’s now with the Royal United Services Institute, said the weather people stood in for a little over an hour Friday puts a spotlight on what veterans had to go through.

“We talk a little bit about the weather conditions today, and we are standing here in freedom,” Hrycyna said after Friday’s event. “Nobody’s shooting at us, and (soldiers) served in horrible, horrible conditions during the war.

“They did that so that we could have the way of life that we do now.”

According to Environment Canada, the biting cold Friday hit -18 C with a wind chill of -29 C, but hundreds of people surrounded the cenotaph. People stood bundled in snowsuits, toques and mitts with poppies pinned over their hearts. Some even stood on snowbanks so they could see over the crowds.

Hrycyna said this Remembrance Day “added another dimension” with services across the country taking place with war raging in Ukraine.

“We are remembering that we are enjoying peace here, but on the other side of the globe there is war going on, and people are dying,” said Hrycyna.

That includes Joseph Hildebrand, a 33-year-old farmer from Herbert who volunteered to fight in Ukraine. He had served two tours with the Canadian military in Afghanistan.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe raid from the Second World War.

Saskatchewan was represented in that raid by the South Saskatchewan Regiment. Hrycyna said the commanding officer for the regiment was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour during the attack.

More than 500 soldiers from the South Saskatchewan Regiment went into the battle, and half of those were killed, captured or wounded.

After Friday’s service concluded, people had the opportunity to hang a wreath or pin their poppy on the bulletin board surrounding the cenotaph.

Hrycyna said he was happy to see many younger faces watching the service in the crowd.

“We need to communicate what (the veterans) went through, why it’s important that we went through their sacrifices, and we have got to ensure that happens with the youth of today as well,” Hrycyna said.