Every year, Canadians join together to celebrate Veterans Week from November 5 to 11. During this week, hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events take place across the country to honour our Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I will travel the constituency throughout this week and then attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sparwood, BC.
Veterans are ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things to protect our freedom and create a safer world in which to live. The sacrifices and achievements of our Veterans have helped define and defend the Canada we know and love. With pride, we commemorate their legacy during Veterans Week and recognize the dedication of all of Canada’s Veterans who have ensured the protection of our country and the promotion of peace around the world. I would especially like to recognize my son Cpl. Matthew Wilks (1CER) for his contributions to Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan. He served in Afghanistan from November 2010 to July 2011.
This year marks the end of Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan, and through Veterans’ Week, Canadians will pay tribute to the enormous contributions and sacrifices Canadian Forces members have made in Afghanistan over the past decade, and those sacrifices made by their families. We also recognize the important contributions of those who will continue to support Canada’s non-combat training mission.
This Veterans’ Week, make remembrance more than something you feel, make it something you do. There are many ways to actively remember and honour our Canadian Veterans:
- Wear a poppy above your heart, attend the local Remembrance Day ceremony, and vow never to forget.
- Listen to Veterans talk about their experiences.
- Change your profile picture on Facebook to a poppy and blog or tweet about the importance of remembrance.
As Canadians, it is our duty to pass on the legacy and keep the memories of our Canadian Veterans alive. This Veterans Week, how will you remember? To learn more and find remembrance events and ceremonies in your area, visit veterans.gc.ca.
David Wilks is the MP for Kootenay-Columbia
