National Aboriginal Veterans Day
Coast to coast to coast, Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples have made immeasurable contributions to Canada’s armed forces that have helped shape the country.
Indigenous men and women have helped define our military history for over 200 years. As many as 12,000 served alongside other Canadians, in many global conflicts, for the preservation of security and peace.
November 8th marks National Aboriginal Veterans Day. It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by Indigenous Peoples and their commitment to this country.
We honour the memory of those who have fallen in battles, and those whose lives were changed forever. We also honour those who continue to serve this great country. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
We encourage all our Brothers and Sisters to join in honouring and thanking these Indigenous men and woman and to help preserve their legacy for future generations.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a day for all Canadians to remember the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. It is a day we encourage every individual, young and old, to pause, to give thanks and to remember.
Originally called “Armistice Day”, Remembrance Day was first observed throughout the British Commonwealth in 1919. It was held to pay tribute to the end of the First World War through the signing of the Armistice Agreement on November 11, 1918 at 11 am. Armistice Day was renamed “Remembrance Day” in 1931 and was to take place solely on November 11th.
Today, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians pause for a moment of silence to remember all those who have fought and continue to fight for this country. It is because of them that we enjoy the peace and freedoms we have today.
We must remember and reflect, so that the courage and selflessness of these women and men is not lost to future generations; we remember because through their sacrifices we have the right to participate and reap the benefits of our Union. I encourage our officers and members to take part in local events in your area to pay tribute to all of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.