MOOSE JAW — On November 11th each year, Canadians pause to remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion, a time to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of freedom, democracy, and peace.
As we stand in silence, wearing poppies and listening to the haunting strains of "The Last Post," we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy today did not come without a cost.
For many Canadians, the experience of war is a story told by grandparents or great-grandparents. It is a photograph on a mantel, a faded letter in a drawer, or a name etched on a cenotaph. These personal connections to history are fading as veterans from the First and Second World Wars, Korea, and other conflicts pass on. As their numbers dwindle, it is up to us to ensure their stories, their bravery, and their sacrifices are not forgotten.
But remembrance is more than a reflection on the past; it is a responsibility we all share to pass on the lessons of sacrifice and nationhood to future generations. At a time where the memory of war may seem distant we must remember the role Canada played in the theatres of Europe, in Korea, the Balkans and Afghanistan. It is crucial that we pass this understanding of the value of service on to our children.
Yet, remembrance is not a duty that should be borne with only sadness. It is also a source of hope and pride. The sacrifices made by members of Canada’s Armed Forces and their families are woven into the fabric of our nation. From Ypres and Vimy, to Dieppe and Juno Beach; Kapyong to Kandahar - their commitment to service reflects the best of who we are as Canadians—people who stand up for what is right, who protect the vulnerable, and who work toward a better world.
We must also recognize the families of those who serve. Behind every soldier is a network of loved ones—spouses, children, parents—who endure long separations and worry for their well-being. Their sacrifices, though quieter, are just as profound. They, too, deserve our gratitude and remembrance.
For the next generation, the act of remembering should inspire not just reflection but action. Remembrance teaches us the importance of standing together, of safeguarding our freedoms, and of striving for peace. It reminds us that the sacrifices made in the past were not in vain, and that we have a duty to carry those values forward.
As we honour those who have served and those who continue to serve, we must remain hopeful. We live in a world shaped by their courage, but the torch of peace and freedom now rests in our hands. By remembering, we ensure that their sacrifices continue to guide us. And by teaching the next generation the importance of remembrance, we help them understand that the price of freedom is vigilance, responsibility, and gratitude.
This year I was honoured to be asked to attend the service on behalf of the province of Saskatchewan at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Regina.
Lest we forget.
