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As members of the Royal Canadian Legion and ANAVETS stand in salute of their fallen comrades, a young cadet positions a Canadian flag near a headstone. Decoration Day ceremonies took place in Prince Albert and in Melfort over the weekend. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)
Paying respects

WATCH: ‘This is a very special day for the Veterans’: Decoration Day 2026

Jun 8, 2026 | 9:49 AM

For over 130 years, Decoration Day has been a proud Canadian tradition, and for the veterans in attendance for Sunday’s ceremony in places like Prince Albert and Melfort, they want to make sure it continues for another century.

Dozens of uniformed men and women gathered at South Hill Cemetery in Prince Albert and were supported by roughly another dozen interested members of the public.

First held on June 2, 1890, the Canadian version of Decoration Day started out as a protest of the government’s lack of recognition for veterans who fought during the Battle of Ridgeway in 1866.

“Protests are not often seen these days in that way,” Major Ed Dean stated while reading the invocation. “It proved to be something people could get behind.”


(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

In the following years, the event included remembrance for casualties from the Northwest Rebellions, the Boer War, and World War I. By the 1930s, the tradition was mostly eclipsed by Remembrance Day. Dean also acknowledged the recent 82nd anniversary of D-Day, when 14,000 Allled forces stormed Juno Beach and liberated Europe from the occupied German port.

“These soldiers faced severe conditions, and over 350 were lost, with many more being injured. As we spend these moments in reflection today, we want to remember each and every one of these soldiers and the sacrifices that were made,” Dean said.

In Melfort, members of the Legion and the public paid tribute to the veterans who served the nation. Their memories were honoured with Canadian flags placed by their graves. Flags were also placed in several cemeteries in the Melfort Legion district.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Melfort #30 Decoration Day ceremony.
The Royal Canadian Legion, Melfort #30 Decoration Day ceremony. (Image Credit: Royal Canadian Legion Melfort #30/Facebook)
Veterans in Melfort were honoured with Canadian flags placed by their graves.
Veterans in Melfort were honoured with Canadian flags placed by their graves. (Image Credit: The Royal Canadian Legion, Melfort #30/Facebook)

On Saturday, the Melfort Legion also celebrated it’s 100th anniversary with a special afternoon tea, bake sale, 50/50 and raffle. Guests were invited to dress up for the event that celebrated a century of service, remembrance, and community.

The Melfort Legion celebrated it's 100th anniversary on Saturday. They gave special thanks to the local Girl Guides who helped organize the tea. Funds were also raised.
The Melfort Legion celebrated it’s 100th anniversary on Saturday. They gave special thanks to the local Girl Guides who helped organize the tea. Funds were also raised. (Image Credit: Royal Canadian Legion #30/Facebook)

Back in Prince Albert, paNOWs Nigel Maxwell attended Sunday’s ceremony that included the laying of small Canadian flags at the foot of the veterans’ headstones, the playing of the Last Post and the spreading of ashes.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell