November 9, 2016 - Ottawa, ON
Veterans are tightly woven into the fabric of our daily lives. They are our hockey and softball coaches, our small business owners, our community firefighters and police officers, our municipal leaders. For the most part, we are not even aware that they are Veterans. But, once a year during Veterans Week and on Remembrance Day, we have the opportunity to reach out to them, to honour them for their sacrifices and to thank them for their service to Canada.
Veterans Week and Remembrance Day are not just dedicated to those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. They are also dedicated to those who returned injured or ill, to those who continue to serve and, in all cases, to the families that have stood by them in the past and continue to do so today and every day of the year. The opportunity to meet with and to see some of them at various ceremonies at this time of year is a true honour and a constant reminder that we can never forget that their service has made this country great.
Personally, there are special people that I honour at this time of year. I certainly think of my son, Dan (pictured), who spent time in the Army. I am grateful that as an infantryman and a respected member of the Canadian Armed Forces during missions in the Former Yugoslavia, Bosnia and in Afghanistan, he was spared any serious injuries.
I also think of the many team members that I lost during my years as a Search and Rescue Technician “So That Others May Live” (our motto). I especially remember my best friend who died during a rescue mission a few months after our graduation.
My years of service have taught me to never take anything or anyone for granted, to treat our Veterans and their families with compassion and respect, and to be forever mindful of the debt we owe them.
This year, I encourage you to participate in the many activities being held in support of Veterans and their families in communities across Canada. Take time to talk with them and listen to their stories. You will then understand, if you don’t already, why it is so important that we keep our promises and honour our commitments to them and their families.
Guy Parent
Veterans Ombudsman