On November 11, we gather in our communities to remember. We remember the servicemen and servicewomen who fought defending Canada. We remember those who fell in battle, those who were wounded and those who would return home with the psychological scars of war.
Today, at 11 am, а grateful nation will pause for two minutes of silence to honour those who sacrificed so that we may be free. Throughout the history of our country, generations of Canadians answered the call to duty and fought for our values and our way of life. They fought in the mud of Vimy Ridge, in the sands of Juno Beach, in the fields of Korea and the mountains of Afghanistan. They fought in the waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific and in the skies above Europe and Asia. They fought with valour and courage. Their memory will be with us always.
War has again returned to the European continent. Today, Russia seeks, once again, to subjugate the Ukrainian people to Moscow’s brutal tyranny. For 261 days, Russia has waged total war on Ukraine. Russian rockets and bombs rain down on Ukrainian cities – on schools, on hospitals, on homes.
The Ukrainian people fight bravely in defence of their liberty – and in defence of the values and principles that we as Canadians all share. The cause of the Ukrainian people is just; their resolve – unwavering. The Ukrainian people will be victorious.
“As Ukrainians, we honour the brave members of Ukraine’s Armed Forces who defend Ukraine from Russia’s genocidal war. Ukraine fights for the freedom and peace that we in Canada are so fortunate to enjoy. Two Canadian volunteers have been killed fighting in defence of Ukraine’s freedom. We honour their memory,” Captain (Retd) Andre Sochaniwsky, CD, President of the Ukrainian War Veterans Association of Canada. “The lessons of the past are a stark reminder that we must forcefully oppose despotism and aggression wherever they may appear, and the selflessness and heroism of our fallen are an example for us all to emulate. We ask God to protect all those who serve Canada and Ukraine today.”
We gather today in gratitude to all those who have ensured, and ensure today, that our freedom here in Canada is protected. And we take comfort in the knowledge that as Ukrainians defend their freedom, Canada and the Canadian people stand with them. We remember.
Lest We Forget.
Вічная Пам’ять.
Support the Legion’s Poppy Campaign
The UCC encourages everyone to support the Royal Canadian Legion’s 2022 Poppy Campaign. More information is available here
