Support our troops – support our Veterans

The first Veterans who touched my life were my father, my grandfathers, and uncles.

I grew up hearing my father’s war stories and adventures – he has now finished a book of his time on the North Atlantic. But, over the years, I came to realize that he, other veterans and our troops of today operate under incredible risk – far too many never return.

Thanking our veterans is a daunting task – they’ve given us more than we can ever repay. But, each November we make a point to assemble, say thank-you, and remember those who made the greatest sacrifice. If you haven’t already, please come out to one of the ceremonies, if you are able.

We recognize the enormous sacrifices so many men and women continue to make for the freedoms and rights we all cherish – including the right to speak out without being subjected to fear and intimidation.

We can talk about values and freedoms until the cows come home, but, unless we are prepared to fight for them, defend them, and stand in support of warriors who have gone before and are now overseas, it has little meaning.

It’s important that troops and veterans know we are with them. Buy a yellow ribbon magnet. Support our troops. Support our vets.

Each province observes Remembrance Day in its own way – Ontario and Quebec are the only provinces that have not made it a statuatory holiday. By not having a holiday on Remembrance Day, we ensure that children have the opportunity to go to school, learn about the sacrifices made, and assemble to pay their respects.

We are all grateful that it has been half a century since Canada has seen conflict on the same scale as World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. But I’m concerned that we often forget about remembering those who have served since then.

We live in a sometimes hostile world. Our troops are fighting terrorists in Afghanistan and delivering aid and reconstruction to an area of the world that has seen nothing but war for decades. The cost has been great – but I can’t help but believe Afghanistan would be paying an even greater cost without the Canadian contribution.

Years ago I spent time in Afghanistan – during a period of relative peace. I can’t begin to imagine how dangerous that part of the world is now for our soldiers – let alone what our forces saw in previous wars.

When I meet a veteran of the current Afghani conflict, I shake his hand – as we all should, for all Veterans of all wars and peacekeeping ventures. Soldiers do not choose where they go – they are loyal to the crown, and obey the decisions of the government. Their obedience is born of respect and honour.

Their work overseas is a worldwide extension of Canadian values. We value freedom, justice, and prosperity for all. Citizens of the world must not be deprived of these values just because they live on the wrong side of a line on the map.

This year, let’s remember the deeper meaning behind Remembrance Day. We can never forget our Veterans. We can never forget the sacrifices they made, and continue to make. And most of all, we must remember the values they fought to defend.

Support our troops. Support our veterans.