Remembrance Day: Honoring those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Ottawa Journal (November 05 – November 09, 2021)

“At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month…” it’s a phrase we all recognize. These words represent not only the end of hostilities in the First World War, but also mark the date and time when we formally commemorate those lost in battle.

Remembrance Day is a time when we honour the valour and sacrifices of Canadians who fought in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, on peacekeeping missions, and in Afghanistan.

Remembrance Day is also a time when we can reflect on the accomplishments of our country. United, we have fought for a safer and freer world, liberating citizens from totalitarian governments and working towards a sustainable world peace, based on mutual respect and shared values.

While the horrors of war must never be forgotten, we must also remember that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. We must never fail to defend it, whether at home or abroad.

This year is also a particularly special year for remembrance. This year we celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812, a war which helped forge us as an independent nation and helped give birth to a distinct Canadian identity. To mark this occasion, our Government is supporting hundreds of War of 1812 events across the country. We’ve also invested in the restoration and preservation of historic sites and monuments relevant to that war. We, as Canadians, can also be proud of the Canadian Navy Centennial we celebrated not long ago in 2010. Canada’s naval history is rich, full of customs and traditions, and our sailors continue to honour this history today. November is the perfect time to take in all of these milestones and attractions, to celebrate our unique Canadian history.

Our Government also remains committed to supporting our men and women in uniform, both past and present. Whether it’s through improved monthly access to benefits for seriously injured Veterans, increasing the monthly supplement for the injured and sick, or providing the best equipment available to those currently serving, our Government continues to stand behind our troops and Veterans.

It is also important to remember that despite the fact that November 11^th is the formal day of commemoration, thanking a Veteran, volunteering at your local Legion hall or donating to a Veteran’s charity need not be limited to one day a year. Our heroes in uniform deserve no less.

On Sunday the 11^th, I hope you will join me in taking part in one of the many Remembrance Day ceremonies in our community. On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the rest of our Government, I wish to thank the men and women currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as all those who have served in the past.

Lest we forget.