The article recounts a significant historical event in Canadian history known as 'If Day,' which took place on February 18, 1942. This event featured a simulated Nazi occupation of Winnipeg aimed at showcasing the potential threat posed by Germany during World War II. The exercise was conducted with the participation of thousands of Canadian troops and volunteers, as well as dramatic presentations involving mock air raids and artillery engagements. The invasion began with reports of approaching aircraft over northern Canada, and soon the city of Winnipeg became the center of this exercise following the fictional fall of Selkirk.

As the day unfolded, air-raid sirens pierced the morning calm of Winnipeg, signaling the beginning of a series of orchestrated events designed to mimic a real Nazi invasion. Troops were strategically positioned around the city, ready to respond to the mock assault. The defensive preparations highlighted the seriousness with which the Canadian government and military approached the threat of war on the home front, aiming to instill a sense of urgency and unity among the populace in support of the war effort.

'If Day' not only served as a military exercise but also as a crucial moment that captured the imagination of Canadians, helping to galvanize public support for their armed forces. The event demonstrated the potential realities of invasion and aimed to rally the country's commitment to the war against fascism, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the national psyche and wartime mobilization efforts.