This past week I was honoured to once again represent the Government of Canada at the Remembrance Day commemoration in Thompson.
Remembrance Day is one of the most important days of the year. This year had specific historical significance with the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
This year, as so many Canadians do every Nov. 11, we remembered the service and sacrifice of so many Canadians who served and, in many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for the freedoms we enjoy today.
I believe it is important that we remember their sacrifice every day of the year. It starts with fully supporting our veterans. I know firsthand from my partner how important it is that we support our veterans. Unfortunately, what we have seen in recent years have been cuts and unfulfilled promises for veterans. It’s one of the reasons I was proud to support the resolution brought in by my NDP colleague, Gord Johns, to ensure that every cent budgeted for veterans is spent to support veterans. I was so proud that this was passed unanimously by the House of Commons.
As we reflect on the service and sacrifice of so many Canadians, it is important to remember what they fought for.
The First World War was described as “the war to end all wars.” Sadly, this was not the case.
It is important in remembering their service and sacrifice to recognize that they fought for nothing less than peace and justice in Canada and throughout the world.
The best way to honour their service is to honour and support our veterans and to work for peace 365 days of the year.
