Kitchener Rangers to debut Remembrance Day jerseys this weekend

In honour of Remembrance Day this upcoming Monday, the Kitchener Rangers will be wearing specialized jerseys on Friday against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Each season, the Blue Shirts pay tribute to those who have been a part of the Canadian Armed Forces by wearing commemorative jerseys. This year’s jerseys are to honour those who fought in The Battle of Normandy, known as D-Day, one of the deadliest fights in Canadian Second World War history.

The battle in 1944 was one of the pivotal events leading to the defeat of the Nazis. Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen played a “critical” role in the invasion of Normandy as the Allied Forces began to liberate Western Europe, the press release reads.

“By the end of the Battle of Normandy, the Allies had suffered 209,000 casualties, including more than 18,700 Canadians.”

To honour the hard-fought battle, the jerseys’ crest is based on the image of soldiers entering battle from the beach. This is a moment many believe to have been the beginning of the war’s end.

Prior to the Rangers game, there will be a ceremony including a moment of silence. People are encouraged to wear their poppies and can place bids to purchase the one-of-a-kind jerseys through a silent auction over the evening.

Proceeds will benefit the 78th Fraser Highlanders Fort Conestoga Garrison and the Kitchener-Waterloo Poppy Fund through Rangers Reach.

“Since its inception, the commemorative jersey auction has raised over $350,000 for its beneficiaries.”