COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – A day to remember

Within the parliamentary precinct sits a room called the Room of Remembrance. The room is somber with star-shaped glimmers of light poking through the low ceiling, casting a quiet reverence throughout the room. Visitors walk through the neo-gothic, iron-gated arches into a space with tables, each bearing a book that records the names of Canadians who gave their lives in service to our country. In total, eight books preserve these names. At 11 a.m. every day, one page is turned in honour of the sacrifice these Canadians made on our behalf—the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for all generations to live freely in a common hope for Canada.

This past Tuesday, on Nov. 11, as a country, we remembered. As with every Remembrance Day, Canadians from coast to coast to coast, paused with gratitude for the sacrifices they made on our behalf.

We remember the men and women who left their homes, put on a uniform, and didn’t ask what they might lose, only what they could give. They left behind families, friends, and familiar places to serve something greater than themselves.

They came from towns like ours: farmers, teachers, shopkeepers; ordinary people who believed that some things are worth standing up for. They fought because they loved their country and wanted a better future for the generations to follow.

As a servant to the people of Provencher, I feel that responsibility every day – for the stewardship of our country, the vision for better, the quest for the Canadian promise. As former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker asserted, “I am a Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” I carry the burden of those who sacrificed their lives on our behalf in light of the declaration of former Prime Minister Diefenbaker. In my role as your representative, I feel that charge as legislation is presented, and debate occurs. Furthermore, I hold on to the promise that their lives were not lost in vain, but the future of our country will see a harvest of fruit.

Which is why taking part in Remembrance Day is so important. Myself and representatives from my office attended ceremonies in St Pierre-Jolys, Lorette, Steinbach, La Broquerie, St Adolphe, Ste Anne, Whitemouth, and Emerson – in remembrance to honour all those who fought for Canada—all those who served and serve on our behalf—all those who believe in the declaration of Prime Minister Diefenbaker for Canada—and all those who believed in entrusting to us a vision for our future.

We remember.

Lest we forget.