Canada’s veterans have served this country with distinction.
Their willingness to defend democracy, freedom and the rule of law at great personal cost sets them apart as the very best our country has to offer.
Through the First and Second World War, the Korean War, and to the deserts and mountains of Afghanistan, our Armed Forces have never stopped defending the values that we, as Canadians, stand for.
Their bravery and self-sacrifice will always be remembered by our grateful nation. It is because of their dedication and commitment that Canadian families continue to live in peace and security.
We must keep in mind that our men and women in uniform are not faceless strangers, they are our friends and neighbours, our parents, our children and grandchildren and they make us proud each and every day.
We must honour their sacrifice by staying true to our values, never ceasing our gratitude and never forgetting their service.
It is why our government declared 2013 “the Year of the Korean War Veteran.” This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the active fighting in the Korean War and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea.
As part of the celebrations, we unveiled a monument in Korea, which honours the 26,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel who fought in the Korean War and those who served between 1953 and 1957.
On a local level, I will be hosting a special ceremony in honour of 19 Korean War Veterans from Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo on Nov. 23, 2013. It will be a great opportunity to remember the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Cathy McLeod is the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP.
