Today, on November 11th, we pause to observe Remembrance Day. We honor the selfless courage of every soldier, past and present, alive and deceased, who has sacrificed their time, safety, and well-being in service of peace and freedom.
We remember that these courageous individuals were not just soldiers, but brothers, uncles, fathers, and sons, whose absence was profoundly felt at home. We also pay tribute to the essential contributions of women who played a vital, multifaceted part in the war effort—from nursing and essential labour on the home front, to serving in uniform in roles that supported the mission.
The red poppy has become our most enduring symbol of this commitment. It was inspired by the resilient flowers that bloomed across the war-ravaged battlefields of Flanders, Belgium, as immortalized in Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Fields." We wear this small, yet profound, flower on our left lapel, over the heart, as a visible, heartfelt pledge to never forget their service, a sacred symbol of a promise kept.
It is an important act of respect to remember the weight of the sacrifices made—the absence, the hardship, and the profound cost of conflict—and to commit ourselves to understanding the principles and reasons for which they stood.
The most meaningful way to honor them is not merely to pause, but to perpetually strive for the peace they secured. We do this by demonstrating tolerance in our communities, offering a steadfast welcome, and giving assistance to those in need. Their fight for a better future demands that we build it every day through compassion and active peace.
Lest we forget.