On Remembrance Day, Canadians honour fellow citizens who have made the "ultimate sacrifice." Throughout Canada's history, men and women have stood up for our values, our freedoms, and our way of life. They have accepted the risk of placing their own lives "on the line" on behalf of their families, friends, neighbours and fellow Canadians. "At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month ... " every year, we thank all of our military veterans and take a moment to remember the men and women who gave their lives standing up for our freedom and way of life.
Canadians fought in the First World War (626,736 served 66,573 died); Second World War (1,081,865 served 44,927 died); the Korean War (26,791 served 516 died and 1,558 were wounded); the Gulf War (4074 served); and in Afghanistan (25,000 served on a rotational basis and 158 died).
Throughout our large riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, remarkable numbers of constituents young and old attend events to commemorate Canada's veterans, particularly on Remembrance Day. Many Canadian military veterans live in our riding.
As your Member of Parliament, each year I deliver the Government of Canada's Veterans' Week message and lay the Remembrance Day wreath at one or more of our local cenotaphs. I hope everyone will take part in one of the many Remembrance Day ceremonies in our community. I wish to thank the men and women currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as well as all those who have served in the past. Lest we forget.