SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Remembrance Day
November 7, 2024
Honourable senators, on November 11, we gather with solemn hearts and reverent minds to observe Remembrance Day, a moment set aside to honour the courage, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of those who have served our country in times of war and conflict.
We remember the over two million Canadians who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces and the more than 118,000 who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Their courage on the battlefield during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the war in Afghanistan and various other conflicts around the world has become woven into the very fabric of our national identity.
As someone born in the Republic of Korea to parents who survived the Korean War, I wish to especially recognize the contributions of Canadians who went to Korea’s aid.
When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, Canada was among the first nations to respond to the United Nations’ effort. Canadians served with valour, enduring harsh conditions and fierce battles, including the pivotal Battle of Kapyong. Their bravery helped to stem the tide of aggression and secure a fragile peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The Korean War was a testament to Canada’s commitment to international peace and security. Our veterans of the war have earned our deepest respect and gratitude.
This Remembrance Day, let us remember the sacrifices made by soldiers who stood firm in the face of adversity, gave their lives in distant lands and left behind families and loved ones.
Let us also remember the sacrifices of those who returned home, carrying the invisible scars of war, and the families who supported them through their trials.
In remembering our veterans, we also honour the values for which they fought: freedom, democracy and peace. We recognize their sacrifices were not made in vain but were a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Their courage has ensured that we live in a country where we can cherish these freedoms and where the principles of justice and equality remain steadfast.
Let us also recognize the contributions of those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces, who work tirelessly to keep our nation safe and secure. Their dedication is a living tribute to the legacy of those we remember.
Honourable senators, let’s honour their memory today and every day through our actions and our dedication to building a better world. We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
Honourable senators, as we approach Remembrance Day, I rise to speak about our solemn duty to honour those who have served and who continue to serve our nation.
Across the country, Canadians are already pinning their poppies over their hearts, a gesture that connects us to more than a century of service and sacrifice.
From the muddy trenches of Vimy Ridge to the beaches of Normandy, from the hills of Korea to the mountains of Afghanistan, Canadian Forces members have demonstrated extraordinary valour.
Today, our soldiers, sailors and flyers continue this proud tradition, serving in vital military and humanitarian missions with our allies around the world.
In Ukraine, the Canadian Armed Forces have led training missions and critical capacity-building operations.
In Latvia, our troops lead a North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, battle group, standing firm with our allies.
In the Indo-Pacific, our naval forces help maintain international maritime security.
Here at home, Canadian Forces have been invaluable in responding to natural disasters and supporting communities during times of crisis.
I acknowledge the legacy of Indigenous and First Nations veterans in Saskatchewan who served with distinction in The Royal Regina Rifles and throughout our Armed Forces, including on Juno Beach on D-Day. Their contributions are too often overlooked.
These brave warriors followed in the footsteps of their ancestors, fighting with honour yet facing discrimination at home. Recognizing the courage and sacrifice of all Indigenous Canadian Forces members and veterans is an important aspect of reconciliation.
To all our veterans: Your service has shaped the very character of our nation. The values you fought for — democracy, human rights and the rule of law — remain the bedrock of our society. Your example continues to inspire new generations of Canadians who choose to serve.
On Remembrance Day, we also bow our heads to the 118,000 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. We remember the families who bear the weight of each loss. We honour the veterans among us, marked by both visible and invisible scars from the line of duty. We cherish the freedom that Canadian heroes fought and died for.
In an increasingly complex world, Canada’s commitment to our core values has never been more vital. It is our Armed Forces who are often tasked with realizing and representing these values around the world. Let’s have their back.
Lest we forget. Thank you. Hiy kitatamihin.
