Hello everyone. 

Today, we pause to remember the brave women and men who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we pay tribute to our Veterans who have served this country, and we honour all those who have answered the call to serve.  

When Canadians have fought during times of war and conflict, they’ve done so in defence of the values we all hold dear –values like freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. 

During the First and Second World Wars, in Korea and Afghanistan, and in peacekeeping operations – members of our Armed Forces have stood up for these values.

They have endured the horrors of war to defend them. 

They have borne scars.

And too many have given their lives. 

We owe it to them – to stay true to our values and to never forget the sacrifices they have made to protect us all. 

But while the sacrifices of the Canadian Armed Forces are rooted in history, the tradition of their service lives on today. 

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are training the Ukrainian Forces, working with our NATO allies, and stepping up for communities when natural disasters strike. 

So today, as we pause for two minutes of silence, and as we take a moment to reflect, let’s think of the sailors, soldiers, and aviators of Canada’s past, present, and future.

Their sacrifices can never go unnoticed, and that’s why we say – lest we forget.