Veterans Day/Remembrance Day

Today, on Veterans Day/Remembrance Day, we honor the brave Soldiers in uniform who have served, and continue to serve, our country in times of war, conflict, and peace. To those who have been injured in the line of duty, who have lived with the physical and mental scars of war, and who have made the ultimate sacrifice – we remember. We also honor their family members – parents, siblings, children, and spouses – who have given up time with their loved ones, in the name of our country.

In the face of hardship and fear, our veterans and service members have always shown immense courage and selflessness. From Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach to Korea, Iraq, Cyprus, and Afghanistan, their commitment to protecting the rights of others and to defending the principles of peace, freedom, and democracy has never faltered. These ordinary people became honored heroes and made extraordinary sacrifices to ensure a better, safer, and brighter future for people in our country and around the world.

We honor all those who risked their lives for our freedom and those we lost in service of their country. Like those who have gone before them, those who may have been facing their own battles, and those whose names we may not know, they gave their lives in service of a better country.

Even if we are not able to gather in person today, we can still take the time to honour and remember our veterans and the fallen, especially this year as we mark the 77th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. To show our gratitude and respect for the depth of their sacrifice, we hold them close to our hearts in the form of a poppy.

At 11:00 a.m. today, I encourage all to observe two minutes of silence, and solemnly remember all those who have fought for us and our country. We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude for helping to make our nation the prosperous, free, and secure country we enjoy.

“Lest we forget.”