Honourable senators, I too am honoured to rise today to remember the Canadians who so selflessly have given their lives while serving our country and to pay tribute to our veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Every year in November, we come together here in the Senate, with a poppy on our lapel and pride in our hearts, to show our respect and to honour those who have served and sacrificed so much to safeguard our safety and security.

Yesterday, November 8, was National Indigenous Veterans Day, a day of recognition for the military service and sacrifices of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who served in Canada’s wars and whose sacrifices have, unfortunately, not been recognized until recently.

This Saturday, November 11, we honour the sacrifices and dedication of all Canada’s veterans to ensure their legacies are kept alive in the minds and the hearts of each Canadian by taking a moment to remember.

Canada exists today because, from 1914 to 1918, more than 650,000 Canadians volunteered to serve knowing full well that crossing the Atlantic could mean they were never coming home. For more than 66,000, this nightmare became a reality.

Between 1939 and 1945, six long and grueling years, our people would again answer the call, including my mother and father. This time, they helped defeat the regime in Europe, which tried so desperately to rule the world with hate and tyranny.

Canadians also fought valiantly for peace and democracy in the Korean War and later in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Both our Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP have been instrumental in maintaining order and security as peacekeepers in countries where conflict has raged. They have also been here for us at home, going to all parts of the country to respond to natural disasters and emergencies that require their immediate intervention.

Now, as we witness the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza, it is even more important to cherish our freedom and to take the time to recognize and contemplate the cost of that privilege. To the families of our fallen, to our veterans and to the current members of our Armed Forces, you are in our minds and in our hearts, remembered forever by a grateful nation that will never let the memory of your dedication or sacrifice fade.

On behalf of the Senate of Canada and all Canadians, please accept our profound gratitude for your service and your sacrifice. Lest we forget.