Veteran's Week

Statement for Veteran’s Week, November 5 to 11, 2019

Generations of brave Canadians down through the years have stepped forward to serve and sacrifice for our country and defend freedom. Hundreds of thousands have served so that we may live in peace.

In the days leading up to “Remembrance Day” Nov 11, “Veteran’s Week” is an opportunity for us to learn from the memories of Canadians who answered the call of duty. Confronted with great challenges, these Canadians became the heroes we honour.

Together with our Allies, we mark the 75th anniversaries of the Italian Campaign and the Battle of the Scheldt in Belgium and the Netherlands. More than 168,000 Canadians played an important role in that region for the liberation of Europe. We also honour the 5th anniversary of the end of the mission in Afghanistan, the largest deployment of Canadians since the end of the Second World War.

We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to our Veterans. We must always ensure that every Veteran receives the respect and help they deserve.

Throughout “Veteran's Week”, Canadians will participate in ceremonies of remembrance across our nation, and wear the red poppy in honour those who gave their lives in service. We pay tribute to our Veterans and Canadians in uniform. To the thousands who have served and sacrificed to promote peace in the world, we are forever thankful. We will always remember.

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In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks still bravely singing fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead: Short days ago,

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved: and now we lie

In Flanders fields!

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you, from failing hands, we throw