Nov. 11 An Opportunity to Remember, Op-ed

NOTE: The following in an Op-ed piece by Premier Darrell Dexter, Minister of Military Relations.

Once again, on Nov. 11, Canadians across the country will gather to bow their heads and remember those who fought for freedom. Canadians will pay tribute to those individuals who never came home, those who were fortunate enough to return to their families, and the thousands of troops still serving in war-torn areas overseas.

This year, I will recognize Remembrance Day at the ceremony at the Grand Parade in downtown Halifax. I will lay a wreath in honour of the thousands of Canadians who fought for freedom and the peaceful life Canadians enjoy today.

I will also take the time this Remembrance Day to pay tribute to my late father. A veteran of the Second World War, he was a man who was proud to serve his country.

Many years ago, I pledged to never forget to show my support for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. I was once one of them, having served in the Canadian Navy. It is the memory of my father, as well as my own military involvement, that have kept me coming back to Remembrance Day services every year. It is why my wife, Kelly, our son, Harris, and I visited Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach -- we wanted to recognize the sacrifices of so many. It is why I took on the responsibility of Minister of Military Relations in Nova Scotia.

I, like most Canadians, will never know what it was like to serve in a war, to experience the loss of a fallen comrade, or to live in an unstable country. Therefore, I have an obligation to the people of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families to remember the sacrifices they made, and continue to make, to protect and serve people here and around the world.

I encourage all Nova Scotians to take the time to remember the sacrifices of so many men and women this Remembrance Day. In Canada, we enjoy a free, fair, peaceful and democratic society. The men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces stood on guard and put their lives on the line in service for Canada and the values we cherish. This Remembrance Day, and every day, may we never forget how lucky we are to live and raise our families in the best country, and the best province, in the world.