Memorial Ceremony at the Regina Capitol

With only two days left until Memorial Day, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on Wednesday honored those who served Saskatchewan and Canada in the war.

Mo joins members of the annual Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans of Saskatchewan memorial serviceallowing civilians and governments to honor those who served during the war.

“Today we honor those who have served our country and will continue to serve,” Moe said. “This service demonstrates our commitment to never forget those who fought and are still fighting for our freedom and security. For them, we are forever grateful.” .”

During the service, Mo laid a wreath at the Saskatchewan War Memorial, just west of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.

The memorial lists the names of soldiers who died in Saskatchewan during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, as well as those who served in peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan.

“In the two world wars and in Afghanistan, Canadians were not fighting to defend their country from direct attack,” Moe said. We traveled the world defending our freedom, how many of us do that today?

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How many people risk everything to fight for people they have never met? ”

While the speech focused on heroes of the past and present, special acknowledgment was also given to those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Specifically, the life of a Saskatchewan farmer killed in action in Ukraine.

Joseph Hildebrand, 33, from Herbert, Sask. He served in the Canadian military in Afghanistan and recently died serving in Ukraine.

His family was notified by other members of his unit.

Clayton Hildebrand, Joseph’s third cousin, said Tuesday, “He was a good man with strong values ​​and a man of his convictions.

Hildebrand said his cousin was with 12 other soldiers and only three returned alive after attacks around the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

“Joseph was a true Saskatchewan hero,” said Moe. “His decision to take up arms again to defend Ukraine was an amazing demonstration of courage and selflessness.”

— with files from Canadian Press.

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