November 05, 2012
Remembrance Day Message
Once again, we gather together to honour those who have stood in defence of our rights and freedoms and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Canadian call to service goes beyond personal honour or gain. As any veteran can tell you, the call to service enshrines ones duty to preserve and protect the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – values for which Canada is a shining star. We have always fought to preserve these values, even during Canada’s earliest generations.
Two hundred years ago, Canadians found themselves involved in a much different call to service – in defence of our homeland. The War of 1812 was an important step in defining a unique Canadian identity, as well as laying the path to Confederation. The veterans of 1812 are all too often forgotten, which is why I was proud of our Government’s efforts to honour the heroes of 1812 this past year.
From the War of 1812 to World War I, from World War II to the Korean War, from UN peacekeeping missions to the wars in Afghanistan and Libya, our brave men and women in uniform have always answered the call to defend Canadian land, citizens, and values.
It’s a debt of gratitude we can never repay.
The least we can do is what we’re doing at this very moment: coming together for a moment of silence to think of them, the risks they took and the sacrifices they made. This Remembrance Day, I urge all of my constituents to pay their respects to those that have left behind all they hold dear to carry out their job with purpose and pride.
It’s a feeling many of us will never have to experience. Though as husbands and wives, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, these brave citizens are certainly not faceless.
On behalf of the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, thank you for keeping Canada and all we hold dear, safe and free.
We’ll forever remember, never forget.
Leon E. Benoit, MP
Vegreville-Wainwright
