Regina Remembrance Day Ceremony Honors Veterans with Poignant Tribute
Thousands gathered at Regina's Brandt Centre on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for a moving Remembrance Day ceremony organized by the Royal Canadian Legion Regina Branch 001. The event honored Canadian veterans and serving members across multiple conflicts, creating a powerful atmosphere of both pride and reflection for attendees.
Mixed Emotions for Retired Warrant Officer
Ken Ross, a retired warrant officer from the Canadian Armed Forces, described experiencing mixed emotions during the ceremony. Having served for 19 years in both the regular forces and military police, Ross expressed deep pride in his service while acknowledging feelings of disappointment regarding current government support for veterans.
"The pride still exists for those that have done the job and have served our country and served it well," Ross stated, highlighting his complex feelings about the occasion. He specifically mentioned losing comrades during his last tour in Afghanistan, making the ceremony particularly meaningful for honoring their sacrifices.
Powerful Visual Tribute with Poppy Drop
The ceremony featured a striking visual tribute as hundreds of poppies descended from the rafters above the Brandt Centre ice surface. The red symbols floated downward to settle around the White Cross of Sacrifice positioned at center stage, serving as what the master of ceremonies described as a silent reminder of lives lost in service to Canada.
Ross, who retired from the CAF in 2008, emphasized that he attends the ceremony annually to commemorate his fallen service members. The event honored veterans from the First World War, Second World War, Korean War, along with peacekeeping missions and conflicts in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
Looking Forward: Calls for Improved Veteran Support
While the day primarily focuses on remembrance, Ross also looks toward the future, advocating for stronger government supports for returning veterans. He expressed concern that veterans shouldn't have to fight for the entitlements they've earned through their service.
"To be honest, there's some disappointment and shame now in our current government with some of the treatment of our veterans and serving members," Ross commented, underscoring the need for improved care and recognition for those who have served.
In addition to the Brandt Centre ceremony, an outdoor service was held simultaneously at the cenotaph in Victoria Park, providing multiple opportunities for Regina residents to pay their respects to Canada's military members past and present.
