On the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour, we gather to honour and remember those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country.
With each new generation, the torch of remembrance is passed, so that as a country and a society, the values that our veterans fought and died for will live on in all of us.
It is because of their sacrifice that we gather to pause, reflect and, with grateful thanks, remember these brave men and women.
It is because of their sacrifices that we can raise our families without fear, practice our beliefs openly and live freely in a peaceful, democratic society.
There is a price for freedom, and we must never forget those who have paid that price on our behalf. We must honour their sacrifices and not lose sight of what it was that they fought for.
We must not become complacent in our lives today as the ideals of democracy, peace and freedom continue to be challenged around the world.
2023 marks 75 years of Canadian peace keeping around the world and I would like to take a few moments to recognize Canada’s role as international peacekeepers. We have a long history of helping to defend and maintain peace in over 40 countries and more than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have served in these international peacekeeping efforts.
Since 1948, the Canadian Armed Forces has played a pivotal role in defending and promoting peace and freedom for all.
From monitoring ceasefires, patrolling buffer zones, clearing landmines and investigating war crimes to helping refugees and providing humanitarian aid, our Armed Forces continue to protect peace and stand up for security throughout the globe.
Since 1989, Canada has also deployed over 4000 police officers to peace missions in over 33 countries around the world. Our officers help to rebuild or strengthen police services in countries experiencing conflict and upheaval. Through police participation in these missions, Canada commits to building a more secure world.
Remembrance Day is a time for reflection. A time to remember those whose who fought and those who gave their lives for our Canadian ideals of democracy, freedom and peace.
Many of us have family members who have served our country in clashes around the globe. For those who survived, their lives were altered in ways seen and unseen, and they were never the same. It is our duty to never repeat this generational pain.
I give thanks to the veterans who are no longer with us, extend my deep appreciation to those who are and thank the brave men and women who continue to serve and protect the values we hold close.
