The Manitoba government is sharing additional details on provincial events and observances to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 19, which has been designated as a national day of mourning.
A 21-gun salute will take place at 10 a.m. on the south grounds of the Legislative Building. This will be followed by a Royal Gun Salute of 96 rounds to honour each year of Her Majesty’s life.
An invitation-only memorial service will take place at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral in Winnipeg, which will be streamed live on the Manitoba government website at http://youtube.com/ManitobaGovernment and http://news.gov.mb.ca Church bells will toll 96 times prior to the commencement of the service.Additional observances include:
– Flags on all provincial buildings, including the Legislative Building, are at half-mast until the conclusion of the commemorative service.
– Black ribbon has been placed on Her Majesty’s portrait in Room 200 of the Legislative Building, per established protocol. In addition, black ribbon has been placed on the flags of Canada and Manitoba in the main foyer, adjacent to the Grand Staircase.
– The Queen’s cipher is projected outside of the front of the Legislative Building beneath the Golden Boy for the duration of the period of mourning and is visible after dark.
– The fountain in Memorial Park is lit purple in recognition of the Queen’s colour designation for her Platinum Jubilee.
– The Centennial Flame on Memorial Boulevard has been lit and will remain so throughout the period of mourning.
– A book of condolence has been placed at the base of the Grand Staircase of the Legislative Building and was signed by the lieutenant-governor. Immediately thereafter, it was signed by the premier, the mayor of Winnipeg, the clerk of the executive council and the leader of Her Majesty’s loyal Opposition.
The public is welcome to sign books of condolence for the duration the period of mourning in Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson and Morden.
Additional details can be found at https://manitoba.ca/queen_elizabeth/books-of-condolence.html
Manitobans are reminded that all non-essential government services and offices will be closed on Sept. 19. Schools will remain open and classes will be in session, and child-care facilities will be open. The health-care system will continue to operate as usual.
