Events in Regina mark Decoration Day to honour veterans

An event to honour veterans is taking place in Victoria Park on Sunday.

A changing of the guard is set to happen in honour of Decoration Day — a day originally very much like Remembrance Day, when the graves of those who’ve served would be decorated.

It began in 1890 in remembrance of the Fenian Raids casualties. The day wasn’t changed until 1931 when it was moved to Nov. 11, which was originally Armistice Day.

Retired Canadian Forces Maj. Brad Hrycyna told Greg Morgan that many legions still mark Decoration Day, which was officially on June 2.

During a small service, Hrycyna said a piper, two sentries and a guard commander will approach the cenotaph from Victoria Avenue. They’ll stop and the guard commander will then post his sentries on each corner of the cenotaph.

However, Hrycyna said there will be a twist this year. Four civilian sentries will move in and stand between the military sentries to pay tribute to Canadian veterans.

It fits with the event’s slogan: Standing for those who serve.

Ninety-six civilians will have the opportunity to pay tribute this way, as the four in front of the cenotaph will rotate at 15-minute intervals from noon to 6 p.m.

The Lieutenant Governor will make remarks during the opening ceremony.

An unveiling ceremony is also set on Sunday in Victoria Park by the Royal United Service Institute of Regina.

Pedestals saluting the Regina Cenotaph and Royal Canadian Legion are set to be revealed.

A total of nine commemorative pedestals are set to be unveiled this year around the cenotaph.

The Decoration Day event is set to begin at 11:40 a.m. Sunday.