OUTLOOK — Despite the wind, there was no way a handful of people were going to miss out on a ceremony planned by the Outlook Legion on Thursday, May 8.
At 11:00 that morning, Branch #262 of the Royal Canadian Legion hosted a brief ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, signalling the end of World War II on May 8, 1945.
President Justin Turton welcomed the turnout at Veterans Memorial Park in Outlook and touched on the historic significance of the day, spotlighting the global conflict between nations that stirred up the events of the world in that day and age.
"A conflict that will forever shape the course of history, and the lives of millions across the globe," he said.
After the marching in of the colours, Turton shared facts of the Second World War in numbers and figures, showing the impact that the global conflict produced as the years wore on.
"No one will ever be able to compile accurate numbers that reveal the true cost of the war," he said. "In terms of monetary cost, it is estimated that World War II cost $4 trillion. In terms of lives lost, we know that 44,090 Canadian Armed Forces personnel never returned home. Of that number, 24,525 were in the Canadian Army; 17,397 were in the Royal Canadian Air Force; and 2,168 were in the Royal Canadian Navy. On a global scale, taking into account the fact that over 50 countries were involved in the war, the estimates suggest 70 to 85 million deaths, with up to two thirds of those deaths being among innocent civilians. In terms of human costs, there's no way to measure that price of the Second World War."
Words were also shared by Pastor Mac de Waal, and the Oath of Remembrance was read aloud by Gerry Gross.
"Their service came at a cost, and because they paid that cost, we live in a free country," said Turton. "Because they can no longer speak for themselves, today the voices of Branch #262 members will speak their names."
The names of local people who served in World War II were read aloud to those gathered in attendance, representing a total of 150 men and women who answered the proverbial call and served long ago. It's said that there are many more local people who'd served, and they will be recognized at future Legion events.
World War II, spanning a total of six years from 1939 to 1945, resulted in the deaths of approximately 60 million people across the globe.
