COLUMN: Carillon Flashback November 13, 2014 – Pausing to reflect on sacrifice of veterans

Canada’s veterans have served our country with great courage and determination. On Remembrance Day, we paused to remember the tremendous sacrifices and achievements of Canada’s men and women in uniform, who have served and continue to serve our great country.

Indeed, throughout our country’s history, Canadian men and women in uniform have bravely fought tyranny and evil around the world, defending the values we cherish. And 2014 marks important milestones in our proud military history.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, and on May 5 and June 6, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Holland and D-Day, pivotal moments in history were commemorated.

With Canadian forces advancing farther than any of their Allies, Canadians played an integral role in the success of the D-Day landings, that helped turn the tide of the Second World War and ultimately helped liberate Europe and the world from Nazi tyranny.

A month earlier, May 5, 1945, Canada had played a similarly crucial role in the liberation of the Netherlands. Where May 5, known as Liberation Day, is a national holiday.

As many as 175,000 Canadians took part in the campaign to liberate Holland and more than 7,600 of them lost their lives.

Indeed, the selfless service of Canadian Armed Forces members during times of war, conflict and peace, have helped define and shape Canada. Because of their courage and self-sacrifice, Canadians continue to live in peace and security.

During the First World War, more than 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders served overseas, and hundreds of thousands of Canadians worked on the home front to support the war effort. On the occasion of the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, the service and sacrifices of an entire generation to defend freedom, peace and democracy are remembered.

Building on Canada’s long and proud history of fighting for what is principled and just, 2014 also marked the conclusion of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan. Canadian Armed Forces members served in Afghanistan to defeat terrorism, and promote security and development for Afghans.

On May 9, during a National Day of Honour, Canadians across the country recognized the contribution of the over 40,000 Canadians who served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, including the 158 who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made during the mission and to honour the bravery and dedication of those who served.

And this year, Remembrance Day services in the nation’s capital paid a special tribute to Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who lost their lives in the recent acts of terror in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and in Ottawa.

These senseless acts of violence are a reminder of the cost of defending freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Canada’s men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every day for the safety and freedom Canadians enjoy.

In this week’s On Parliament Hill column, Provencher MP Ted Falk says Remembrance Day is a time for Canadians to reflect on these freedoms, and renew their determination to never forget the legacy and tremendous sacrifices of Canada’s veterans.

“We are eternally grateful for Canada’s veterans who, at great personal cost, and for some even the ultimate sacrifice, defend our freedoms.”

with files from MP Ted Falk