The Red Ensign (left) commemorates the 50th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day). The red maple leaf (right) acknowledges those who serve today. Canada declared war on Germany, on Sept. 10, 1939. The SD&G Highlanders were mobilized on June 18, 1940. The population of Cornwall at that time was 14,000. The community contributed over 4,000 men and women to the war effort – one of the highest per capita rates in Canada.