By Rod Fox MLA and Danielle Smith
Every year, at this time, we gather as a nation to remember our veterans of war.
On November 11, we remember the Canadian men and women, who bravely fought to protect our nation and the values we hold dear.
When these soldiers were called upon, they did not hesitate to defend our country.
They left their jobs and families, and travelled to foreign lands to fight for the very freedoms we enjoy today.
Many did not return.
On November 11, we remember their sacrifice, and also, we reflect on the daunting scale, brutality and cost of war.
Today, Canada is a beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world.
We’re a lighthouse of hope in a world ravaged by radical ideologies.
But this has come at a cost.
From the beaches of Normandy to the deserts of Afghanistan, the tolls of war have been felt from generation to generation across our nation.
It has been said that freedom is not free, and this year, our nation received a startling reminder that the struggle for justice, freedom and democracy is an ongoing one, both at home and abroad.
This year, two Canadian soldiers were killed in cold blood on Canadian soil.
Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot from behind while he stood guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in our nation’s capital – he was 24 and had a young son.
Just days earlier, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was run down by a vehicle and killed in Quebec – his career in the Canadian forces extended 28 proud years.
Both Corporal Cirillo and Officer Vincent were killed by terrorists who didn’t share the values we do as a country.
These were acts of terror. And as with many acts of terror, the men who killed Corporal Cirillo and Officer Vincent sought to send shockwaves throughout our society and make us question our values.
But they failed in this regard.
Following these acts, Canadians came together in a way that represents the true spirit of the Canadian forces.
We were calm. And we were courageous.
We stand firmly with the broken family members of these soldiers and against the radical ideology of their killers.
On Remembrance Day, we say ‘lest we forget.’
It means not to forget the past in order to secure a free and peaceful future.
This year, as extremist violence has made its way onto Canadian soil, we’ve been reminded that Canadians are still strong, compassionate and courageous people.
As we face a series of new challenges, together as a nation, the sacrifices of all our veterans past are at the forefront of our minds.
Lest we forget.