As Canada faces a world in conversion, the sacrifices of those who have chosen to serve in the Canadian military are especially significant on Remembrance Day,” said the Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Lawrence MacAulay told Global News on Friday at the National War Memorial in Ottawa that Canadians “have peace and freedom for those people. “
“The first message I would have is, of course, thank you very much,” he said.
But, General Wayne Eyre told Global News that the “stability” they have fought for over the years is “threatened. “
“Our national prosperity is threatened,” Eyre said as Europe’s first floor war since the end of World War II between Russia and Ukraine unfolds.
“The country will take more and more care of you in the future, so I ask you to be prepared. “
The rite of Remembrance Day in the nation’s capital is just one of many ceremonies held across the country on Friday, as Canadians gathered to pay tribute to those who fought and died in Canada’s service.
This year marked a full return to classical ceremonies after COVID-19 restrictions led to changes to memorial facilities over the past two years.
Masks and social distancing are no longer mandatory in many parts of Canada, and the classic veterans parade returned to the national rite in Ottawa for the first time since 2019. Dignitaries at the rite included Governor General Mary Simon, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was absent. while on his way to a foreign summit in Cambodia. Instead, the government represented in Ottawa through MacAulay.
“At hockey stadiums, school gyms, downtown spaces and retirement homes across the country, we pledge to never forget the sacrifices members of the Canadian Armed Forces and our veterans made for us. We carry red poppies in our hearts so as not to forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a culture encouraged by the Canadian surgeon, lieutenant colonel and surgeon John McCrae’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields,’ and we pay tribute to his circle of family and loved ones,” Trudeau said Friday.
“Today, we pay tribute to the personnel of Canada’s military, beyond and present, for all they have done to keep us safe. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we practice two minutes of silence for brave women and men. those who gave their lives in service to a greater Canada, we are eternally indebted to them. Let’s not do it. “
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 11, 2022
The return of the veterans parade and Trudeau’s absence weren’t the only difference at this year’s national ceremony. The Royal Canadian Legion marked the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the 80th anniversary of the World War II raid on Dieppe.
A special wreath dedicated to the vanquished Queen, who died in September at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne, was placed at the foot of the National War Memorial before the rite began. God Save the King also sang at the rite.
It also featured a special red flag believed to have been carried through one of the approximately 5,000 Canadian infantrymen who took part in the ill-fated attack on Dieppe on August 19, 1942. The flag was then donated to the Royal Canadian Legion.
Tributes from Canada also poured in on Friday.
Simon said in an interview that Canadians deserve to pay attention and share veterans’ stories of bravery and heroism.
“I urge young people in particular to put on the mantle of remembrance and learn how veteran sacrifice has replaced global sacrifice. In this way, we honor the memory of the dead and embrace the change that will have to occur to create the nonviolent world we all deserve. Let’s not forget that,” he said.
In a statement, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said the hearts of Canadians are “filled with solemn reflections” on Remembrance Day.
“On Remembrance Day, we are reminded that our freedom is not free. It was bought at one maximum value: the brave men and women who answered the call to protect freedom and protect peace and justice,” he said.
“In return, we are asked to remember. We will never allow the passage of time to erase our deep respect and gratitude. We are compelled to honour the memory of the thousands of faithful Canadians who paid the highest value for us to be free. Let’s not be that. “
Defence Minister Anita Anand said the Canadian Armed Forces’ workforce is “ready to risk everything for your country. “
“Let us pay tribute to them, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, for the status of the values we hold dear,” he said in a statement.
“We salute the bravery of those who are no longer with us and thank all members of the Canadian Armed Forces for allowing us to live in peace, safety and freedom.
– With Mercedes Stephenson of Global News and The Canadian Press