Veterans at Lethbridge cenotaph to remember fallen soldiers on 75th anniversary of the end of WW2

By Connor Gunn

Veterans gather at city Cenotaph on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2

May 8, 2020 | 3:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Even with the challenge that social distancing presents because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a small group of Canadian Veterans gathered at the Lethbridge Cenotaph on Friday morning, to acknowledge the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe.

The military and other armed forces veterans observed not only the day but, also the mandatory six feet social distancing rule.

Maintaining social distancing during Lethbridge WW2 memorial

While there weren’t any World War 2 Veterans present in front of the Cenotaph, fellow veterans attended the ceremony to thank others for their brave service.

Retired Air Force Officer Wayne King knows there can be parallels drawn from World War 2 and right now.

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“Certainly during World War 2, many of the citizens of Canada lived through that time and experienced the rationing and the total national effort to support the troops that were overseas and it’s very important that we remember those times and that we recognize the sacrifices.”

King says that back in World War 2, citizens needed to stick together to stay strong through crazy times much like what we are going through right now.

Veteran Glenn Miller said the Lethbridge Legion had originally planned a large ceremony with food and special guests for today, but as we’re all adapting, we have to remember what’s important.

King added, “It would have been quite a public event and public ceremony here, but none-the-less even though we’re not able to, at the present time, have large groups in close proximity, it is still very important that the acknowledgement of the end of the war be recognized.”

Preparing to lay a wreath at the cenotaph

Miller says that once the pandemic has ran its course, the Lethbridge Legion is fully committed to celebrating the anniversary at a different time.

Remembering those who died in WW2