A ceremony was held in Regina Wednesday to honour the Regina Rifles, marking the end of a week-long trip for members of the Up the Johns! Association. A maquette that was unveiled is a model of a statue dedicated to the riflemen, similar to the one that standing in Bretteville-L’orgueilleuse, France. The group from France is made up of children and grandchildren of the villagers liberated on D-Day by the Regina Rifle Regiment, now known as the Royal Regina Rifles. “In June specifically, we even have children from schools that have a really big impact on remembering the soldiers that liberated us” said Maely Bellenger with Up the Johns! On Wednesday the group of 16 connected with Regina citizens who are descendants of the soldiers, including First Nations University of Canada lecturer Nelson Bird. “When I’m hearing their stories about these soldiers coming in and meeting them and seeing them, and being liberated by them, I can’t help but not think of my dad being amongst those people,” said Bird. “My connection is very personal.” Bird’s father, Charlie, was one of many who landed on Juno Beach and started gaining ground on Nazi Germany. “When I get to meet the people here today and last night, it means a lot, it’s very emotional. I think my dad would have been happy these people are here today.” Dolores Hatch’s uncle, Glenn Dickin, fought as a Regina Rifle. Hatch has traveled to Normandy four times. “I’m at the point where I cannot travel, and this opportunity came up,” said Hatch, a researcher with the Royal Regina Rifle Regiment. “I was invited to be here, and I don’t care if I’ve got three broken ribs, I’m here.” The association landed in Regina last Tuesday and toured several parts of the province before being honoured at the legislature Saturday, and the Roughrider game Sunday. “We really had a very nice experience, and I think there will be memories for a lifetime for every member of the association that is here,” said Antoine Piard, president of Up the Johns! Wednesday was the ninth and final day for the Up the Johns Association, as they fly back to France on Thursday.
