Lest we forget.
These three simple words hold profound meaning today, as they are a reminder of the significance of Remembrance Day. It is a day that Canada has set aside to honour the courageous soldiers who have served our nation, in the past and the present.
Today I am reminded of the freedom we have in celebrating who we are. I am proud that we continue to live as Inuit on the lands, ice and waters of our ancestors. Canada’s strength lies in its diversity, and when there is peace, harmony and respect both here at home and abroad, we all are stronger.
We are grateful for the brave men and women of NunatuKavut who have served, and continue to serve, in the Canadian Armed Forces. We honour these and all the courageous Indigenous men and women who defended our freedoms and this place we call home. Many of them have faced prejudice and discrimination but still chose to fight and serve a Country that has not always been kind to them.
We also pay homage to all of those who lost their lives but have no known resting place. On this past July 1, which is Memorial Day in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the NunatuKavut Community Council was proud to be invited as part of a reinternment ceremony to lay to rest the remains of an unknown First World War soldier. The Unknown Soldier represents all branches of service and the interment symbolized a “homecoming” and final resting place for all who have no known grave.
This Remembrance Day, let us take a moment to reflect on what our veterans have sacrificed for us. They have valiantly and selflessly risked their very lives. Nakummek to the men and women who still serve and for whom the burden of war and violence is a present reality for them and their families, and we pray for their health and safe return. Let us commit ourselves to do more to remember and support those who served and serve.
Today, at the eleventh hour, on this the eleventh day, of the eleventh month we will observe a moment of silence to honour and reflect on the courage and devotion of all the brave soldiers who have devoted their lives to protecting our freedom and our very way of life.
President Todd Russell