The Darlingford Memorial Park Committee is inviting residents to gather for a milestone event as the community marks the 105th annual Darlingford Memorial Service on July 5.
The service will begin at 11 a.m. at Darlingford Memorial Park and will honour local men and women who gave their lives in service to Canada.
Committee member Glenn Rasmussen said the annual event continues to serve as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“It’s a time of remembrance for young and old,” he said.
This year’s guest speaker will be Shauna Archer of Lorette, organizer of the No Stone Left Alone Remembrance Program. The national initiative honours the service and sacrifice of Canadian military members through youth education and acts of remembrance at military gravesites across Canada and internationally.
The annual service has deep roots in the community. Rasmussen noted that this year’s gathering marks the 105th service held at the memorial since the park officially opened on July 5, 1921.
A longstanding tradition sees local schoolchildren participate by placing flowers on two crosses in memory of those who never returned home from war.
Inside the memorial building, two black marble plaques bear the names of local men who served and died during the First and Second World Wars.
The Darlingford Memorial is unique in Manitoba. It is the province’s only free-standing memorial building dedicated solely to commemorating the war dead.
The memorial park is maintained by an eight-member volunteer committee with assistance from community volunteers who work throughout the year to preserve the historic site.
Following the service, lunch will be served at the Darlingford Community Hall. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12, payable by cash or cheque.
In the event of rain, the service will be moved to Darlingford United Church. Organizers encourage everyone to attend and welcome donations to help support the ongoing upkeep of the memorial park.
“Lest We Forget.”
