PREECEVILLE — To mark the historic moment the Second World War ended in Europe, the Preeceville Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 188, hosted a special banquet and short program on May 8 at the Preeceville Legion Hall. The walls were decorated with Canadian flags and Lest We Forget flags. There were war items on display at the back of the room.
Victory in Europe Day marked the end of the Second World War in Europe on May 8, 1945, when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany.
Invited guests from the Canora, Hudson Bay and Kamsack legions, and dignitaries Cathay Waganall, MLA for Yorkton–Melville constituency, and Sean Wilson, MLA for Canora–Pelly constituency, gathered for the solemn event, with Will Lesko, Preeceville Legion president, serving as master of ceremonies.
Lesko introduced the head table of special guests: Brad Steppan, padre; Brian Steppan; Brad Romanchuk, mayor of Endeavour, and his wife Crystal; Darin Newton, Preeceville mayor, and his wife Lori; Wilson; Kristy Karypk, hostess; Gerald Hoffman, zone commander for Zone 1 and District 4, and wife Cheryl; Wayne Mastrachuk, representative from the RM of Preeceville, and his wife Val; Dean Harris, Sturgis mayor, and his wife Marilyn; and Amber Spray as the youth ambassador.
The meal was catered by Charolette Cherynk and featured a special appetizer that soldiers would have received during the Second World War, followed by salad, a main course and dessert. The meal was plated and served to each guest by service staff and volunteers.
Toasts were made to the King and the fallen comrades, and an instrumental musical piece was performed by the St. John Lutheran Church choir.
Lesko went on to explain the significance of the lone table set at the back of the room.
“A missing man table, also known as a fallen comrade table, is a ceremony and memorial that is set up in military dining facilities. A small table set for one, symbolizing the isolation of the absent service member. The round table is used to represent the everlasting concern the survivors have for the missing. A white tablecloth to symbolize the pure intentions of the service members who responded to the country's call to arms.
"A single rose in the vase symbolizing the blood that service members have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of the United States of America. This rose also represents the family and friends who keep the faith while awaiting the return of the missing service members.
"The yellow ribbon represents a love of country that inspired the service members to serve the country. A slice of lemon on the bread plate that represents the bitter fate of the missing.
"Salt sprinkled on the bread plate that symbolizes the tears shed by waiting families. An inverted glass to represent the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake. A lit candle symbolizes a light of hope that lives in hearts to illuminate the missing's way home. An empty chair to represent the absence of the missing and fallen soldier,” said Lesko.
Hoffman spoke briefly on the event’s significance.
“Today, we reflect on Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945. We remember not just a military triumph, but a moment of profound sacrifice, resilience and unity, a moment in which Canada played a proud and critical role,” said Hoffman. “Over one million Canadians served during the Second World War and more than 45,000 made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and freedom. VE Day marked the end of nearly six years of brutal conflict in Europe. For Canadians, it was a day of celebration but also one of mourning. From the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of the Netherlands, Canadian forces were at the forefront. In the Netherlands in particular, our soldiers were not just seen as liberators but as symbols of hope,” said Hoffman.
Wilson brought greetings from the government.
“We are fortunate to live in a country where the true meaning of sacrifice and selflessness are taught to support others in need. We owe a debt we can never repay but we can show our gratitude by sharing our veterans’ stories and continuing to offer them support,” said Wilson.
