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At 11 a.m. on November 11, SaskTel Centre will fall silent as thousands gather for Saskatoon’s 94th Remembrance Day service — honouring veterans, sacrifice and 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
At exactly 11 a.m. on November 11, the arena will fall silent. For two minutes, roughly 6,000 people — veterans, families, students and citizens — will stand together in stillness. It’s a silence that echoes across generations.
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“The reason that we do Remembrance Day on the 11th month, 11th day, at the 11th hour, is that was the moment when the First World War ended,” explained Malcolm Young, the program director of Saskatoon’s Remembrance Day service.
“That horrific war of over four years with the carnage that took place ended, and for the first time there was just silence.”
This year marks Saskatoon’s 94th Remembrance Day service, which is the largest indoor ceremony of its kind in Canada. It’s a tradition that began in 1931 and continues with the same care and reverence today.
“We’ve conducted the service using the protocols and traditions created by the veterans of World War One,” said Young. “And we do so in tribute to all Canadians who have served.”
Honouring 80 years since the end of the Second World War
This year’s service holds special meaning, as it marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War. More than 70,000 Saskatchewan citizens served during that conflict, and 5,015 never came home.
“With the march of time, there are fewer and fewer Second World War veterans left,” Young noted. “We estimate probably less than 100 in the province.”
The ceremony on Tuesday will pay special tribute to those who have passed away in the past year, and to the memories of those whose remains were never found.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the repatriation of Canada’s Unknown Soldier, whose remains were brought home from near Vimy Ridge in 2000.
“There were over 27,000 Canadians whose remains have never been found,” said Young. “This year, we are going to recognize four Saskatoon citizens.”
More than numbers
For Young, Remembrance Day isn’t about attendance figures; it’s about connections.
“It’s not a case of how many we expect,” he said. “It’s how many we appreciate that spend the time to come out and commemorate our veterans.”
The Saskatoon service draws thousands of attendees year after year, a powerful display of community commitment to honouring those who have served, past or present.
“Canadian citizens have always been willing to stand up, put on the uniform and serve their country,” Young added. “That’s a tradition that carries on today.”
At the heart of it all, Young said, is one simple, powerful act.
“What really counts is for every Canadian, no matter where they are, to stop at 11 a.m. and pause for two minutes.”
The service will be held at SaskTel Centre starting at 10 a.m., with doors opening at 9 a.m. The service is free to attend, and will also be streamed online for those who can’t attend in person.
Saskatoon Transit is also offering free bus service to and from the ceremony. Details can be found on the SaskTel Centre website.
Other Remembrance Day events around Saskatoon
An outdoor Remembrance Day service will be held at the cairn in Montgomery Park at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday. Residents are invited to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in the lower hall of St. David’s Trinity United Church after the service wraps up.
The University of Saskatchewan, meanwhile, will hold its 97th annual wreath-laying ceremony on Tuesday at the university’s memorial gates. The event begins at 1:30 p.m., with university president Peter Stoicheff and other dignitaries slated to speak.
“There will be a brief program followed by the laying of the wreaths,” the university said in a statement.
“All are invited to lay a wreath and to visit the many memorials around campus that pay tribute to those in our campus community who have served.”
The Royal Canadian Legion’s Nutana Branch will also host a Remembrance Day program on Tuesday, at the legion hall on Louise Street. The event gets started at 10 a.m. with the live stream of the SaskTel Centre service, followed by lunch service and entertainment.
Saskatoon residents invited to view Book of Remembrance at city hall
The public is invited to visit Saskatoon’s city hall this week to view the Book of Remembrance.
The book was compiled by the Military Institute of Saskatoon, containing biographies of the people from the Bridge City who gave their lives during the Second World War, the Korean War, Canada’s peacekeeping operations and in Afghanistan.
“A companion to the First World War book created in 2014, the Book of Remembrance was formally presented to the City on October 22, 2018,” the city said in a statement.
“It is permanently housed at the City of Saskatoon Archives, with copies available at local libraries.”
The book will be available for viewing until Friday, the city said.
“We encourage residents to take part in this important commemoration and join us in remembering the sacrifices made for our freedoms.”
What’s open and closed on Remembrance Day
The City of Saskatoon is adjusting a number of hours of operation in observance of Remembrance Day on Tuesday.
City Hall will be closed on Tuesday and will reopen on Wednesday at 8 a.m.
The Remai Modern art gallery and all Saskatoon Public Library branches will also be closed on Tuesday.
Transit will use its holiday service hours on Tuesday, and normal fares apply.
Drivers won’t have to plug parking metres on Tuesday, though time limits remain in effect.
Waste collection will proceed as scheduled, and the landfill will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
The Woodlawn Cemetery office will be closed Tuesday, but the cemetery grounds will be open to the public as usual.
The Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Cosmo Civic Centre and Terry Fox Track will be closed on Nov. 11. The Lakewood Civic Centre and Shaw Centre will be open from noon to 9 p.m., while the Saskatoon Field House and Lawson Civic Centre will be open from noon until 5 p.m.
The Lions Arena will be open for parent and tot skating from 2:30-3:15 p.m., while public skating will be available at the ACT Arena from 7-8:30 p.m.
