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Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Remembrance Day, November 11th

This Saturday will be November 11th, and once again we will be commemorating the courageous Canadians who died defending the peace, freedom and liberty we experience every day.

Remembrance Day is an opportunity for all of us proud Canadians to pay tribute to those men and women who gave so much to our country in the past, and who continue to uphold Canada’s reputation as a peace serving, opportunity building nation.

As your local MPP, I am privileged to be invited to a number of ceremonies and events throughout Haliburton-Victoria-Brock. Throughout the week, I will be attending as many of these as possible. I’m looking forward to joining many other local Canadians to pay our respects and gratitude to those who have gone before us.

This year also marks a significant milestone as the Royal Canadian Legion celebrates it’s 80th Anniversary of providing service and assistance to Canada’s war veterans and their families, as well as current military personnel.

There are 15 Legions in this riding and I applaud every one of them for their incredible contributions and efforts to making our cities, our towns and this province a better place. Communities throughout Ontario are built around the strength and contributions of their local Legion members.

The week of September 17th is a special time as Ontario publicly pays tribute to the dedication of our Legion Members during Legion Week. It is also one more way for us to thank veterans and embrace the freedoms and opportunities, which they fought so hard to preserve.

Ontario is the first province in Canada to recognize such a week for its Legion Members.

I encourage you to touch base with your local Legion, make sure you wear a poppy, and attend a Remembrance Day ceremony if you’re able.

We can also be proud of the numerous cenotaphs representing the significant contribution to Canada’s freedom by the brave men and woman of our communities, so many years ago.

Veterans represent our living heritage and deserve our profound appreciation for their sacrifices. Legions throughout Ontario are a tremendous support for hundreds of community programs and activities.

Silence is an interesting thing. Sometimes it says more than we could ever imagine. The Red Poppy, which we wear in Remembrance in the weeks leading up to November 11th, symbolizes eternal sleep. It is our duty as Canadians to ensure that those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom forever rest in peace.

On November 11th, let’s all take a moment and silently acknowledge the contributions made by our dedicated veterans, to whom we are forever indebted.

For the sake of Canada and our wonderful communities in Haliburton-Victoria-Brock - We must never forget.

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