November 10, 2015
Premier Greg Selinger and Deanne Crothers, special envoy for military
affairs, today officially opened a Hall of Honour in the Legislative Building by
unveiling a complete listing of all First World War (the Great War) regiments
that were based out of Manitoba and announced the Legislative Building will
introduce a daily ceremony for the ‘turning of the pages’ for the Books of
Remembrance.
The Books of Remembrance have, until recently, always been housed in the
Manitoba Room, located on the second floor of the Legislative Building, but were
largely inaccessible to the general public. The Hall of Honour, located in the
southwest corridor on the main floor of the building also displays plaques
honouring various military regiments and will now feature a complete listing of
Manitoba regiments that served Canada in the First World War.
“It is important the public has access to this material to serve as reminder
that we should never forget the courage and sacrifice that has been made on our
behalf so that we might live in the greatest, freest nation in the world,” said
Premier Selinger.
“The ceremony to turn the pages for our five Books of Remembrance will be
done each day at exactly 11 a.m., each day of the year,” said Minister Crothers.
“The books honour casualties of war from the Boer War, the Great War, the
Second World War, the Korean War and the Merchant Navy.”
In making today’s announcement, the premier also said the government is
planning additions to the Hall of Honour to include dedications to Lt.-Col.
William ‘Billy’ Barker of Dauphin, the most decorated serviceman in Canadian
history, and Sgt. Tommy Prince of Winnipeg, Canada’s most decorated First
Nation’s soldier.
The Hall of Honour will be accessible to the public during all regular
operating hours of the Legislative Building from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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