Newfoundland's provincial flag will be flying at Portage la Prairie city hall this Friday. The city's marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which started on July first, 1916 in the French town of Beaumont-Hamel. Eight-hundred-and-one members of the Newfoundland Regiment joined several other allied forces in the area, planning a barrage of artillery. However, a bomb set off on the other side of German lines resulted in the German army being well-prepared for the battle, unbeknownst to the Newfoundland soldiers. While 801 arrived at the front lines, only 68 survived the battle, which lasted less than half an hour.

Portage resident Bill Knott discussed the upcoming anniversary at a previous Council meeting, where he called the the city to mark the anniversary, which is celebrated each July 1st in Newfoundland. After receiving the approval of Council, Knott contacted a Newfoundland MP, and a member of the House of Assembly, to acquire a Newfoundland flag to be flown. He says the response from the Newfoundland officials was quite positive.

"Their reaction was very positive. I spoke to the MP in person, but I spoke with his staff and the MHA's staff more than the members, because they were very busy with their work. All were very enthusiastic. They haven't had this kind of request before, and they didn't know there was this kind of interest."

Knott felt Portage la Prairie's connection to the military, and the number of Newfoundland natives that call this city home made it important for the city to recognize the 100th anniversary of that battle. Mayor Irvine Ferris announced Monday morning they'd be flying the flag, and was joined by several Portagers with Newfoundland roots. Robert Wells was one of those to attend the announcement, and he's grateful to see the city marking the day.

"I just think it's very nice that the city of Portage and province of Manitoba are recognizing the ultimate sacrifice that Newfoundlanders made on July first, 1916. It's a very special day for all of Canada, but more importantly, for the Newfoundlanders currently residing in Portage la Prairie, and Manitoba."

Newfoundland's Memorial Day is marked in conjunction with Canada Day. Memorial Day is marked with parades and moments of silence in the morning, while Canada Day Celebrations usually take place in the afternoon, and evening.