Mr. Speaker and colleagues, as we approach Veterans' Week and Remembrance Day, I stand before the House a very grateful Canadian. We come together to recognize the remarkable Canadians who have served and proudly worn the maple leaf on their shoulders, including some of my colleagues here in this place today. This upcoming week is not only an opportunity to commemorate their sacrifice, but a chance for all Canadians, young and old, to reflect on the freedoms and rights we enjoy today thanks to the service of these brave individuals.
Every year, especially in November, people across the country gather to pay tribute to those who have served or are still serving Canada. From the hills of Beaumont-Hamel to the Persian Gulf and the skies above it, from the mountains of Afghanistan to places right here at home, our veterans have demonstrated unwavering courage and resilience. Their stories remind us of their strength and the profound impact of their service.
This week, as we close Women's History Month, I am thinking of women veterans and what so many of them have had to overcome in the service of our country. Over the past year, I have had the privilege to meet many of these women, who have shared moments with me of their time in the military. They have shared stories of pride in service, of hardship and of how they fought and continue to fight through it all.
Although women only began to serve in combat roles during the Persian Gulf War, the legacy of their service to Canada is much longer: as nursing sisters during the First World War, as decoders and “Wrens” during the Second World War, and, to fast-forward to today, as captains leading combat missions, flying squadrons and even leading the entire forces as the chief of the defence staff. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about them.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of Canadian peacekeepers joining the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus, and the 50th anniversary of the 1974 war, the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. As we mark this anniversary, I am thinking of the group of veterans who are preparing to return to Cyprus to rekindle memories with their fellow service members and to share this history with Canadians. I am reflecting on the service of the 36,000 Canadians who participated in Operation Snowgoose, and those who remain there today in what is one of Canada's longest overseas military commitments.
Many veterans continue to live with physical and psychological scarring from their time in Cyprus and in other operations around the world. We cannot ignore the heavy toll service takes on the men and women, and also their families, who sign up to serve no matter the risk. This Veterans' Week, I ask each of us to pause and reflect on what service means to us.
This Veterans' Week, I encourage all Canadians to participate in local activities, volunteer their time and reach out to veterans in their community. Simple acts of kindness, such as a conversation, a shared meal or even a friendly ear, can go a long way.
We have a collective responsibility to educate future generations about RCMP and CAF veterans and their families. By sharing the stories of those who served and what they gained from their experiences, we foster gratitude, pass on history and, most importantly, leave them with lessons that have endured for more than 100 years. As the air force motto says, “Through adversity to the stars”.
Let us also take the time to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of equity-deserving veterans, such as indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ veterans, as well as those of people who have served in non-combat roles. I have met so many veterans from these groups over the past year, and all of them are very proud of their military careers and their contributions to maintaining peace and security around the world.
This Veterans' Week, let us be united in a common goal to be there for veterans and their family members. Above all, let us make sure they know and that Canadians know how much we value their service and contributions to our country. Together, we will never, ever forget their sacrifices.