Speaker Furey opens Veterans Week with ceremony in Senate Chamber

Every year, Senate Speaker George J. Furey hosts a ceremony in the Senate Chamber to open Veterans’ Week. The occasion — which brings together veterans, Canadian Armed Forces personnel and youth — encourages acts of remembrance and continued support for the brave women and men who serve Canada.

Speaker George J. Furey addresses a full Senate Chamber, speaking to the debt Canadians owe to our men and women in uniform.

Speaker Furey noted how 2017 was a major milestone in the commemoration of Canadian courage. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, as well as the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. “These pivotal moments, of enormous devastation, of extraordinary devotion and of boundless courage will – and always must – be shared,” says Speaker Furey.

David Charette performs the “Veterans Song”. Roughly 12,000 Indigenous men and women served in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War. Indigenous Canadians continue to play a crucial part in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Speaker Furey, MP Sherry Romanado (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs) and House of Commons Speaker Geoff Regan lay the wreath to Canada’s fallen.

After a moment of silence, Usher of the Black Rod J. Greg Peters prepares to lead the procession out of the Chamber.

Speaker Furey shares a moment with Senator Victor Oh.

Speaker Furey meets Gerry Wharton, Honorary Dominion President of Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans of Canada (ANAVETS).

Speaker Furey spends some time with veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces.

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