Princess Anne speaks to veterans following the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang |
Some of what was said Tuesday at Remembrance Day commemorations across Canada:
“It is my honour to read a message from Her Majesty the Queen: ‘Seventy-five years ago, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth dedicated this National War Memorial in honour of all those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. Today, it is fitting that with this ceremony of rededication, we pay tribute to all those Canadians who in the intervening years have laid down their lives in the service of peace, justice and freedom.'” — Princess Anne at the National War Memorial.
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“We have had sombre occasion in past weeks to ponder our identity as the very symbols of our peace and freedom were violated. And now here we stand, and here we shall remain: unshaken in resolve; grateful in remembrance of those who have sacrificed; rededicated, like this memorial, to our eternal duty: peace and freedom—the very soul of our nation.” — Gov. Gen. David Johnston.
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“We can never repay the debt we owe to the intrepid men and women who paid for our freedom with their lives, but we can remember their enormous sacrifices and pay tribute to their bravery and patriotism.” — Statement from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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“I think now that a lot of people can attach a name to what Remembrance Day is about.” — Lt.-Col. Rick Bialachowski at the Hamilton cenotaph, remembering Cpl. Nathan Cirillo.
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“It made a big difference to me. It made it strike a little more close to home with the recent events. I’m glad I was able to come out today and be a part of it and it kind of made it a little more personal in a way.” — Anna Jonas of Halifax recalling the death of Cirillo in her former hometown of Ottawa.
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“There are far fewer of us left.” — Joan Barclay Drummond, 89, who as a teen watched the original dedication of the National War Memorial 75 years ago and who later served with the RCAF.
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“It’s important for us on Nov. 11 to take the time out as a nation to remember those who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to keeping us safe at home.” — Lt.-Col. Peter Scott, who watched the Ottawa service.
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“I do not and I never will glorify nor will I revere the wars that human beings create. Over and over again we let hatred and anger take hold … As a mother and a grandmother, as a daughter and a granddaughter, today I am grateful. But I also pray that we find our way to peace.” — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.
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“We must show our gratitude and respect to all of our courageous war veterans and to our brave Canadian servicemen and women who continue to serve.” — Statement from New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant.
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“I join millions of Canadians in communities across the country as we honour veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is due to the sacrifices of these brave men and women that we enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.” — Statement by Defence Minister Rob Nicholson.
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“Today we come together as a country to pause, reflect and to remember the service of Canada’s veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, those who have been recently deployed overseas, along with their families and friends, are foremost in our minds and hearts.” — Statement by Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino.
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