Remembrance Day is a day of great sadness and remembrance, but it is also a day of great pride. This November 11th is the 96th anniversary of the end of world war one, Canadas participation and success during that war has been referred to as Canadas coming of age as a Nation. A Nation ready to stand beside out world friends and defend our principals, as well as those less fortunate than us. Canadians have served with great distinction throughout the years, World War I, World War II, Korea, The Cold War, The Gulf War, The Afghanistan War, and War on numerous peacekeeping operations throughout the world. Today our Troops still serve to defend freedom and human rights, be that in a training role in Afghanistan, or in Iraq against terrorism and other areas designated by our Government. On Remembrance Day we wear Poppies, we pause for a moment in silent respect, and we attend services in memory of those Comrades who have paid the ultimate price with their lives. The need to do so is no less today than in the past, in fact, it has increased with the years. Canada, and Canadians have responded to our Veterans and their needs in a most admirable way. The wearing of Poppies, the attendance at services throughout the country, the visitation to grave sites, and the placement of crosses or wreaths are individual ways of showing support and respect, in addition, communities have, and are honoring the Veterans. Here in Moncton, we have War Veterans Avenue, and the Veterans Highway, a number of cities have re-named streets to pay tribute to Veterans. In Ontario they have the Highway of Heros to name but a few of the tributes. On this Remembrance Day, let us not forget the RCMP and other Police Forces that have participated, and laid down their lives in numerous missions in the pursuit of Peace and Democracy throughout the years. The Royal Canadian Legion recognizes the RCMP as Veterans and they deserve the same recognition as Military Veterans. To date, the RCMP and their predecessor, the North West Mounted Police, have lost 234 members in the line of duty, with 78 shot and killed, and over 80 killed in vehicles, planes, or boating incidents, and 76 to natural disasters, workplace accidents, and during special foreign assignments. We must also remember the families of the fallen, their loss is forever and will be reflected for generations. The Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, equally so for the Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmothers era. Regarding the fallen or wounded, I once heard a remark that they had a choice, I suggest that no, they really did not have a choice. They had a sense of duty to their country, and their fellow man took that choice away. Canada has sacrificed 66,573 Soldiers in World War I, 45,400 Soldiers in World War II, 516 Soldiers in Korea, and 158 Soldiers in Afghanistan. We had no casualties in the Gulf War, and there are no statistics for the Cold War. Those Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen will be forever in our memory. We will remember them...... October 31st will be the start of our Poppy campaign, please show your respect and support by wearing a poppy. R.J Dupuis President Royal Canadian Legion Moncton, Branch # 6
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 17:22:56 +0000
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