‘Peaceful, vibrant nation will forever be their tribute’
Notes from The Last Post hung in the air as politicians stood beneath the regimental and King’s colours in the rotunda of the Alberta legislature Thursday, sharing in a moment of silence to honour men and women of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“The peaceful, vibrant nation that we have become will forever be their tribute,” said Robert Wanner, Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly.
During the Service of Remembrance, Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin and leader of the Wildrose Party, reflected on the bravery of the men and women who marched those flags into battle.
“Those soldiers fought for the same freedoms that we continue to fight for today, that we continue to enjoy today,” said Jean.
The First World War, waged from 1914 to 1918, was the bloodiest conflict in Canadian history.
Of the more than 600,000 Canadians who signed up to serve, more than 60,000 lives were lost.
Ric McIver, MLA for CalgaryHays and leader of the Progressive Conservative official Opposition, credited their efforts and sacrifice — especially their bravery in the battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917 — for earning Canada’s place as a country.
“We are considered a country when our Armed Forces, the men and women who served, worked together and forged this country,” McIver said.
More than one million Canadians answered the call again to serve in the Armed Forces full time between 1939 and 1945 during the Second World War.
More than 43,000 Canadians laid down their lives in the pursuit of global peace.
“They voluntarily left the comfort of their homes and loved ones to travel to the places where the world needed us, where there was distress and suffering. They continue to do so,” Jean said.
Although the First World War was meant to be the war to end all wars, speakers acknowledged the sacrifices still being made by men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces as they continue in the pursuit of peace.
“We honour them as we strive for respect, tolerance and dignity for all,” said Nicole Goehring, MLA for Edmonton Castle Downs, who brought greetings on behalf of the premier.
“For all you have done across the globe, fighting wars, resolving conflicts and, most importantly, keeping peace, the world will never, ever forget,” Jean said. “We will not forget, and we must never forget.”