The flag of Newfoundland and Labrador is flying in front of Portage la Prairie City Hall today.

A ceremony was held this morning, as the City recognizes the centennial of the battle of Beaumont-Hamel in the 1st World War. It saw the Newfoundland Regiment lose all but 68 of its 801 men on July 1st, 1916.

Portage RCMP Inspector Rick Head is from Newfoundland, and is impressed this community's reaching out to his province.

"I have been at Beaumont-Hamel, and it's pretty ominous to stand there and see where hundreds of Newfoundlanders died in a few minutes. It was almost another Remembrance Day in Newfoundland. So it's very special for me to come here today, and see them honour the fallen soldiers, and be part of this today."

Head feels it's important for young people to know about what happened a century ago.

"That they understand that the men that died back then helped give them their freedoms today, so that they could wear their uniform today -- all these young cadets that are here -- and for all young people. There's a danger as it goes farther and farther away in history, that we don't remember, as we should."

Mayor Irvine Ferris feels it's important for the city to recognize Beaumont-Hamel.

"To show our friendship and solidarity with our friends and neighbours in Newfoundland. At that time they were a country, they were our allies. And we have a lot of folks that have moved here from Newfoundland, and live here in Portage."

Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart also took part in the ceremony. He believes Beaumont-Hamel should be remembered here as well.

"A hundred years ago is a long time, but it's so very vibrant. They (Newfoundlanders) don't celebrate Canada Day, they celebrate Memorial Day in respect to the particular event, and I think we need to recognize that."

Here are more pictures from the flag-raising.