Lest we forget

November 10, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Remembrance Day:

“Across this great country, from our largest cities to our smallest communities, we are united in remembrance and gratitude.  On this Remembrance Day, we pause to remember the courage and sacrifice of those Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen and airwomen who served to defend our nation and fight tyranny, injustice and terror.
 
“Canada is proud of its forces.  The world has seen the bravery of our service men and women at Vimy Ridge, on Normandy beaches, in Korean hills and in countless other missions throughout the world.  When the cause is just, Canada has always been there to defend freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

“This is our heritage.  It is a legacy handed down to us from those who sacrificed so much for our country, a legacy still carried on today by the brave Canadians serving in places such as Afghanistan.

“So, as we pause for a moment of silence this Remembrance Day, we ask ourselves, ‘How will I remember?’  We remember these brave Canadians by wearing a poppy over our hearts.  We remember these brave Canadians by visiting our local cenotaph with our children and reflecting on the names etched in stone.  We reflect on the fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters who never returned home.  We remember these brave Canadians by sending a message of support to those serving overseas.

“However we choose to remember, we must keep the torch of remembrance burning for future generations to come.  Let us never forget these brave men and women whose sacrifice served to make life better for others. We must remember, not just today, but every day.

“Lest we forget.”