Mr. Speaker, when I look around the House today, I see my colleagues proudly wearing and displaying their poppies.
What I see is much more than just a bit of red and black. What I see are the freedoms that we as Canadians hold so close and dear to our hearts.
What I see are the freedoms that were fought for and won during the two world wars and in Korea.
I see the contributions and sacrifices made by those brave men and women, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
What I see are the dedicated men and women of today's Canadian military, serving with pride and professionalism here and abroad.
This poppy is a symbol of that and so much more. I would like to thank the thousands of veterans and Legion volunteers who keep the poppy campaign alive.
My message to all Canadians is to wear a poppy, to thank a veteran, but above all, on Tuesday, November 11, Remembrance Day, to take time to appreciate our country and reflect on our freedoms that we so often take for granted.
And when Canadians take off their poppies, I ask them not to put them in a box, but to put them out where they can be seen so that we can always remember.
Lest we forget.