PUBLIC MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNED FOR BATTLE OF BRITAIN'S 72ND ANNIVERSARY

Provincial Military Liaison D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert will be on hand Saturday, September 15, at 10:45 a.m. at the Saskatchewan War Memorial to formally recognize the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

"In 1940, the average age of an Royal Air Force pilot, the role in which many Canadians served, was a mere 20 years old," Huyghebaert said. "Those pilots stood as the first and last line of defense for an entire nation. It is because of the dedication and sacrifice of those young men and so many others who served, that we all have been afforded the luxury of never knowing the true tragedy of such a conflict. Their actions have defined the character and strength of our country and province."

Members of the public are invited to observe the outdoor ceremony which begins at 10:45 a.m. at the Saskatchewan War Memorial on the Legislative Grounds, just west of the Legislature on Memorial Way. The ceremony will include a memorial wreath laying and a fly past from 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

The Battle of Britain is considered to be one of the pivotal battles and a major turning point of the Second World War. From July 10 to October 31, 1940, Allied air forces defended British skies from German forces, who were preparing to invade the island nation.

More than 100 pilots from Canada flew in the Battle of Britain, 15 of which were from Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Jay Teneycke
Office of the Provincial Capital Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-8630