BATTLEFORD — It was an emotional day as a group gathered to say their goodbyes to Queen Elizabeth II at the Battleford Cenotaph.
MC Tim Popp said, “We are gathered here today to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. It was only on June 2 that we celebrated Her Majesty’s 70th anniversary on the throne, the longest reign in British history. Today marks a day in history that no one will soon forget. Queen Elizabeth II is considered by some to be one of the greatest persons in modern history. She was true to her word that she would serve, doing her duty to the very end, an amazing accomplishment that will never be equalled."
Trumpeter Jack Tatchell played the Last Post and afterward there were four minutes of silence. Children from Battleford Central School stopped their playing at recess to listen respectfully to the ceremony and took part in the moments of silence.
Jim Ramsay played the lament, Flowers of the Forest on the Bagpipes. Afterward, the trumpeter played Reveille.
President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9, Esther Delainey, gave the Act of Remembrance. She mentioned how the Queen, just the day before she died, gave a statement to comfort the people of Saskatchewan after the killings that happened at the James Smith Cree Nation and the community of Weldon. She then recited the first verse of In Flanders Field.
Mayor Ames Leslie offered a few words and Tim Popp gave the Benediction.
To end the ceremony. everyone joined in to sing God Save the King.
