Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney marked Remembrance Day Monday with statements paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans and military personnel.
“November 11 is a day when our nation comes together to express our collective appreciation for the courageous men and women in uniform who gave their all to defend the values and freedoms that make Canada the best country in the world,” Ford said.
The premier noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, saying Canadians’ actions in defence of democracy “aren’t just remembered here, but in nations across the world where our veterans and flag are welcomed with open arms.”
“This Remembrance Day, as we observe a moment of silence, I urge the people of Ontario to reflect on the bravery of our Canadian Armed Forces, who left and continue to leave the comforts of home and family to put their lives on the line to protect our country and defend freedom abroad,” Ford said. “We remember the more than 120,000 brave soldiers throughout our history who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country and we think of their families and loved ones.”
He added that as Ontarians wear poppies and lay wreaths, they should think of “the individual acts of courage and selflessness that these powerful symbols represent.”
“And to every veteran, service person and military family in our province — thank you,” Ford said. “Lest we forget.”
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued a statement recognizing the sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve.
“Today, we honour the service of the brave women and men who answered the call. Those who sacrificed years away from loved ones, those who returned from combat forever changed, those who never came home,” Carney said.
“In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, remembrance is also vigilance,” he said. “Our sovereignty and our security – and those of our allies – are not guaranteed. The women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces protect them every day. They rush to communities as wildfires and floods roll in, they airlift life-saving aid across waters, they stand guard in the Arctic, and they defend NATO’s Eastern Flank. When people see a maple leaf on a sleeve or the back of a truck – they see hope, they get help.”
Carney said Canadians pause on November 11 to remember “those acts of heroic service.”
“We remember that our rights, our freedoms, our way of life were fought for and were won by Canadians who answer the call,” he said. “Lest we forget.”
