Speaker of the Senate
Speech at the 21st Annual Ceremony of Remembrance
Minister O’Regan, Deputy Speaker Stanton, fellow parliamentarians, honoured veterans, cadets and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
As Speaker of the Senate, it is an incredible honour to welcome you to this 21st annual Ceremony of Remembrance.
I wish to extend a very warm welcome to our veterans and military personnel joining us this morning.
On this solemn occasion, we pay tribute to the tremendous courage and sacrifice of those who came before us, those who have served and those who continue to serve in their wake.
This year, we reflect on their service as we mark some key moments in our shared history.
A century ago, our soldiers fought valiantly to help bring an end to the First World War, culminating in the Armistice of November 11, 1918.
Having earned a reputation as an elite fighting force, the Canadian Corps contributed decisively to a series of attacks as part of the Hundred Days Offensive.
Their vital role in the Allied victory came at a heavy cost, with more than 45,000 men killed and wounded over the last days of the war.
In marking 65 years after the brutal combat in the Korean War, we remember the more than 26,000 Canadians who served on land, in the air, and at sea, in a conflict so far from home.
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of National Peacekeepers’ Day, we are reminded of the activities after the 1953 Korean armistice to restore peace in areas devastated by conflict. We recognize the continued efforts of Canadian peacekeepers – past and present, military, police and civilian – who protect the most vulnerable and help build a safer, more secure world.
Let us also remember the 300-kilometre march during the Second World War – through landmines, enemy troops and mountainous terrain – that Canadian soldiers made through Sicily 75 years ago.
Canadian casualties in the Italian Campaign totalled more than 26,000, nearly 6,000 of which were fatal.
These pivotal moments, of enormous devastation, of extraordinary devotion and of boundless courage will – and must always – be shared.
With the upcoming renovations to Parliament, it is worth noting that this marks the last time our ceremony is held in this Chamber for quite some time.
I find it fitting that each year, parliamentarians gather in this special place to express appreciation and respect for all who have served and all who are serving.
We Canadians owe you our deepest gratitude.
The Centre Block of Parliament is a monument to our fallen soldiers, and to our nation’s gratitude.
Sobering reminders of the First World War can be found in all corners of the building – from the iconic Peace Tower to the sacred Memorial Chamber to the Hall of Honour.
In the Senate Chamber, these reminders loom large in our deliberations.
Since 1921, eight paintings commissioned by Lord Beaverbrook have hung prominently on the walls around us, depicting various scenes from World War One – drawing attention not only to the brutality, the hardship and the ravages of armed conflict, but also to the importance of our work as legislators and the gravity of our responsibility to serve Canadians well.
So many fought and so many died, that we could do this here, in an open, free and democratic society.
Indeed, the contribution of Canadians in uniform, not only to this nation’s defence, but to its foundation and identity, cannot be overstated.
It is why we will be eternally grateful to the more than two million Canadians who, over the course of history, have responded to the call of duty in order to defend the values that we hold so dear.
To conclude today, I wish to leave you with the words of English poet John Maxwell Edmonds, which truly captures why it is that we must never forget:
“When you go home,
Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow,
We gave our today.”
It is for this reason that each year, we remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
They were faithful, they were loyal and they were brave beyond all measure.
They gave their lives and their futures, so that we might live ours in peace.
It is why we remember them today; it is why we will never forget.
Thank you.
