To honour Ukrainian Canadian men and women who fought in World War II, The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Saskatoon Branch is hosting Heroes of Their Day, an event that’s the first of its kind.
Adrian Boyko, Communication Contact for the event, says the veterans are being honoured due to the proportion of Ukrainian Canadians that were invested in the war compared to the general population. He says in the Second World War, Ukrainian Canadians were the second largest population by ethnicity to volunteer for the expedition.
Boyko says the event will consist of several ceremonies, presentations, and speeches. These include a history presentation on why these veterans are being honoured, a memorial service, and an icon presentation.
The icon, which is a depiction of the Mother of God protecting the Ukrainian Canadian soldiers under her cape, is written on ammunition boxes that came from Ukraine’s current war. They will be displayed in the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox cathedrals after the ceremony.
There will also be a documentary showing, as well as a reception. The event will take place from 2:00-4:00pm at St. George’s Senior Citizen Centre.