More than 7,000 attend Saskatoon Remembrance Day service

Thousands attended Saskatoon’s 95th Remembrance Day service.

Col. (Ret.) Malcolm Young estimated that more than 7,000 people filled SaskTel Centre, up from 6,000 counted last year.

“I would suspect that this year’s service was a bit higher because of what happened in Wainwright.”

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On Oct. 17, 2026, four soldiers were killed during a training exercise at a Canadian Armed Forces base in Wainwright, Alta. Dozens of others were injured.

Their names were recognized during the service, along with those of six Saskatoon Second World War veterans who died this year.

Young said it is likely there are no surviving veterans of the Second World War living in Saskatoon or the surrounding area.

Col. (Ret) Malcolm Young speaks with reporters following the Remembrance Day Service in Saskatoon, Sask. (Phil Wood/CKOM News)

“Every one of the veterans still alive from the Second World War is more than 100 years old,” he said. “If anybody knows of a veteran in the Saskatoon area who is still alive, I would love to speak with them.”

Young said he regards Second World War veterans as his heroes.

A larger family

During the ceremony, past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces were encouraged to stand and were recognized for their service.

Veteran Patti Paul said three generations of her family have served in the military.

She added that her niece, Legion member Moya McGregor, was among the guards who laid wreaths at the cenotaph.

Young said he served in Afghanistan and wears a wristband bearing the names of fellow officers who died in the conflict.

He called on Canadians to support veterans returning from service.

“We need to understand that veterans have very unique and complex needs, and therefore our medical care, our psychological care, is much different.”

Young added that 600 cadets participated in the parade and said organizers are always appreciative of their attendance and participation.

The next generation

Eighteen-year-old Tayyaba Siddiqui is a warrant officer first class with 107 Spitfire Squadron.

She said it is an important day for her and fellow cadets.

“Although we might not have any personal connections to all the fighting that went on back then,” she said, “we still do enjoy the freedom that they fought for.”

Warrant Officer 1st Class Tayyaba Siddiqui of the 107th Spitfire Squadron joined hundreds of other cadets at Saskatoon’s Remembrance Day Service. (Phil Wood/CKOM)

Siddiqui said she had always been interested in the military and the air force.

She added that she was pleased by the turnout.

“It’s important for us to show up and remember them and honour them, and carry the torch forward for them.”