The departure of soldiers to the East for training or the journey overseas produced a variety of
emotions both among those going and the ones they left behind. These leave takings frequently
were accompanied by marching parades through town or city to the local railway station. Some
were off on an exciting adventure; others hesitantly but willing faced what they considered their
duty and responsibility to God and Country. The final farewells before boarding the train or
ascending the ship's gang plank were extremely difficult for those going or staying. Few were
oblivious to the dangers inherent in war and none could be certain of ever meeting again.
The 96th Battalion parading down Second Avenue in Saskatoon, c. 1916.
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