The rotunda of the Saskatchewan legislative building was packed Wednesday for a Remembrance Day service held by Saskatchewan civil servants.
Wreaths were laid inside the rotunda of the building and another was placed outside at the Saskatchewan War Memorial.
Public Service Commission Minister Don McMorris spoke briefly at the ceremony expressing gratitude for all members of the armed forces.
He says recent events have renewed respect and honour for Canada’s soldiers.
“It is maybe more poignant after the events that happened in Ottawa,” he says. “I think people are maybe re-engaging in the whole meaning of Remembrance Day. I certainly hope so.”
The government also handed out the first commemorative licence plates honouring recipients of the Memorial Cross.
It is given to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
In 2006, Jeffrey Walsh died in Afghanistan and Wednesday his father Ben was presented with plate number one.
It was emotionally draining for him as he talked about his loss.
“Jeffrey was a good son, he was 33 when he passed away and he left behind three children,” he says.
Memorial Cross recipients may request one of the commemorative plates by contacting SGI.
There is no additional fee.