Message from President Russell on Remembrance Day
On Remembrance Day, we take time to reflect and remember what veterans have so selflessly done for us all. Many have given their lives for the peace and freedom we all enjoy today. We pay tribute to the men and women who still serve at home and abroad and for whom the burden of war and violence is a present reality for them and their families. We pray for their health and safety and, for those who are away, their return home.
We honour the courageous Indigenous men and women who serve their country today and the many Indigenous veterans who have faced prejudice and discrimination just to wear the uniform. They deserve our gratitude for their selfless sacrifice. To those who lost their lives and those who came home, who needed help and support and could not enjoy the same freedoms and rights at home as what they fought for, we are eternally grateful and humbled. We are thankful and honour the brave men and women of who come from NunatuKavut, Labrador, who have served, and continue to serve, in the Canadian Forces. And we acknowledge the men, women and youth in our communities who proudly wear their Canadian Ranger and Junior Canadian Ranger uniforms, your are truly our “home force.”
On this day of remembrance, I am reminded of the freedom we have in celebrating who we are in our own places and in our own way. I am proud that we continue to live as Inuit on these lands, ice and waters we call home. Canada’s strength lies in honouring its many “peoples” and, when there is peace, harmony and respect among the many “ peoples” here at home and abroad, we all are stronger.
Again this year on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, we join with all Canadians and commit to honouring and supporting veterans for their courage and devotion.
From our hearts, Nakummek for your service.
Photo of the late Uncle Ken Mesher by Bonnie Learning