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Lest we forget

A Remembrance Day column from Kootenay Columbia Member of Parliament David Wilks.
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Kootenay Columbia Member of Parliament David Wilks.

By David Wilks, Kootenay Columbia MP

Canada’s veterans have served this country with distinction.

Their willingness to defend democracy, freedom and the rule of law, sets them apart as the very best our country has to offer.

This Remembrance Day, I hope you will join me in commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of veterans who fought in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, on peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan.

I will have the honour of attending Remembrance Day ceremonies in Sparwood this year.  I would especially like to recognize my son MCpl. Matthew Wilks (1CER) for his contributions to Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan.  He served in Afghanistan from November 2010 to July 2011 and will be joining me in Sparwood on November 11.  During Veterans Week I will be travelling throughout the constituency and on November 12 I will be speaking with students in Sparwood.

Our Government was proud to designate 2013 the year of the Korean War Veteran.  We proudly remember the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.  In summer 2013, our government participated in ceremonies across Canada marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the first annual Korean War Veterans Day, a national day of recognition enshrined in law by the our Government.  We also recently unveiled a new Canadian monument in the Republic of Korea dedicated to the Canadians Armed Forces personnel who fought during the war.

And finally, to the men and women of our Armed Forces: on behalf of myself, my family, and the residents of Kootenay Columbia, we thank you for your service.  Their determination in the face of adversity will never be forgotten and we are forever in their debt.

Honour and remember veterans.  Each year, Canada marks Veterans’ Week from November 5 to 11. This year, the campaign challenges you to “Show You Remember.” Through the use of advertising and social media networks, Veterans Affairs Canada is encouraging Canadians to participate in remembrance activities online and in person with their family, friends and community.

Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, Canadians can show they remember by posting photos, videos and messages using the hashtags #ShowYouRemember and #ShowYourThanks.

Lest we forget.