Lest We Forget

This November we will commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I.  This anniversary will make annual Remembrance ceremonies all the more poignant this year.  This year, more than ever, would be an ideal time to attend a Remembrance ceremony to thank and remember those who served and those who died in defence of Canada.

Through October 1918 it became clear the Allies were in a position to defeat the German forces and discussions to end the Great War intensified.  On November 11^th, 1918 an armistice ended the majority of the fighting.

Canada’s efforts in the 100 days leading up to the November 11^th armistice were both massive and historic.

From August 8 to November 11, 2018, we mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Canal du Nord, and the 100th anniversary of the Liberation of Mons. More than 100,000 Canadians fought, with more than 39,000 casualties and 6,800 making the ultimate sacrifice, during this massive offensive.

We can also highlight the 30 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who received the Victoria Cross (VC) during the last three months before the Armistice. They make up nearly one-third of all VCs in our military history.

Those who served then, and now, ask a lot from their families.  Their service to our country places unimaginable stresses on relationships and often takes parents away from their children for extended periods.  Following hostilities, it is these families that are then left to deal with lifelong injuries to their loved ones.  Not all the injuries are visible and issues like post-traumatic stress disorder mean the struggles continue long after their return.  We need to recognize that in many ways their families did, and continue to, serve Canada in their own unique way.

This year also marks the 65^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the 10^th anniversary of National Peacekeepers’ Day.

By honouring these milestone anniversaries, we continue to honour the memories of those who did not return.

We will always remember them.

Lest we forget.