Trudeau, Wynne honour veterans at Canada’s Remembrance Day
http://www.gatewaymail.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Canadian-veterans..jpg
By Femi Shodunke
CANADA: PRIME Minister, Justin Trudeau, and Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne, today remembers fellow Canadian men and women who participated in the First and Second world wars.
The Prime Minister, who paid glowing tributes to the Canadian veterans and soldiers on the Remembrance Day, said that their memories cannot fade.
Similarly, Wynne pleaded with Ontarians to attend today’s Remembrance Day events “in honour of the women and men who have served and continue to serve our country.”
Trudeau said: “Today, we pause to remember and honour the Canadian men and women who have served our country and fought for freedom around the world.
“Time may fade, but our memories cannot. We all have a duty to hold the torch high, and to keep its flame alight. Liberty’s cause beats deeply within our hearts, and every generation of Canadians has answered the call to serve.”
He also said: “We must remember that, during the First and Second World Wars, Canada and Newfoundland fought side by side. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, when a generation of Newfoundlanders laid down their lives in defence of the freedom, democracy, and diversity that we enjoy today.”
“From Ypres to Vimy Ridge, Dieppe to Juno Beach – we will not forget. From Korea to the Suez, Cyprus to Kandahar – we will not forget,” Trudeau said, adding: “We remember yesterday’s youth, far from home, who fought for reason and progress. They stood up to tyranny and stood for liberty, and sacrificed their future for the future of so many.”
“We honour Canada’s bravest, who stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies around the world. Every day, they face down the threat of terrorism, and protect the values we cherish most,” the Prime Minister also said in a news release by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) and made available to GatewayMail.
He further said: “At 11:00 am, I encourage all Canadians – no matter where you are – to observe the two minutes of silence. When we remember, we must remember war as it was and as it is. Freedom’s terrible price is known, but to the few who have fought for it.”
“That is why today we stand sombre and silent, with poppies close to our hearts, and take the time to remember,” he stated, adding: “Lest we forget.”
Also, at Queens Park, Wynne, will be joined by the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs; Brigadier-General S.M. Cadden; Honorary Lieutenant-General Richard Rohmer; and veterans, to observe two minutes of silence at the Ontario Veterans’ Memorial.
“Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families, cadets, diplomatic representatives, and others will pay tribute and lay wreaths,” a news release said.
“The annual ceremony begins at 10:45 a.m. and will include a 21-gun salute, a reading of ‘In Flanders Fields’ and a youth pledge,” the release further explained.
