A Day For Honouring Those Who Served

NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Stephen McNeil.

Earlier this year, we marked two significant anniversaries in Canada’s military history.

June 6 was the 75th anniversary of D-Day — a pivotal event during the Second World War. Nova Scotian soldiers were among more than 14,000 Canadians in the invasion on Juno Beach. They and their allies were part of the largest seaborne invasion in history.

And last month, Oct. 23 was the 50th anniversary of the disaster aboard HMCS Kootenay, the worst peacetime accident in the Royal Canadian Navy’s history. An explosion and fire killed nine crew members and seriously injured another 53.

On Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to all of those who served — and continue to serve — our country. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we honour their service and sacrifice. It is the courage of our military personnel that has provided us with the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

The military has a special place in the identity of our province. We are proud of that identity and of Nova Scotians who continue to serve.

I encourage everyone to take some time to reflect on the sacrifices made for all of us.