November 8, 2010

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the Occasion of Remembrance Day

OTTAWA—Each year on Remembrance Day, Canadians gather at war memorials and in cemeteries across this vast land. As the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month approaches, we stand silently, echoing the moment of peace that followed the end of fighting of the First World War, the ‘war to end all wars.’

On this solemn occasion, many Canadians are drawn to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, just steps away from Parliament. It provides us with such an affecting symbol of the terrible cost of armed conflict, honouring the tens of thousands of Canadians who have died for their country. By invoking the memory of this fallen soldier, whose name and identity is lost to us, we are reminded that, in truth, death is never anonymous.

November 11 is an occasion to acknowledge the sacrifices of all who have been killed, disabled, widowed and orphaned in war. Just as each war represents the sum total of its battles, unfolding through time along various fronts, each soldier, family member, friend and neighbour faces untold personal hardships during wartime. Like the name of the Unknown Soldier, these private struggles often go unrecorded, but are no less real.

On this Remembrance Day, let us pay our deepest respects to all who have sacrificed and suffered in war.

David Johnston

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Media information:

Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
julie.rocheleau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca