Dear Editor,

Canadians are fortunate to live in a country that values freedom and democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Everything we have today we owe to the sacrifices made by the brave Canadians who served in the First and Second World Wars, in Korea, in the Persian Gulf, the Balkans and Afghanistan, and in other military efforts over the years.

Think of the thousands of men and women in uniform who . . .

stood on the shoulders of ​veterans​ and members past, in countless other military, peace support and humanitarian operations all over the world, in times of war as in times of peace, who distinguished themselves by discharging their duties with honour and dignity and full respect for the red and white flag on their shoulder. This proud legacy of service continues today in the ongoing efforts of our Canadian Armed Forces members, including domestically during recent floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Veterans​’ ​Week​ is Nov.  5-11 and it is our duty to remember and honour our war dead, those we have lost since, and all the Canadian ​veterans​ who we are still so fortunate to have among us today.

This year, we mark the 75th anniversaries of the Liberation of the Netherlands, Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day, and the end of the Second World War.

In this season of remembrance, I encourage everyone to safely take part in commemorative activities that honour our ​veterans​ and fallen Canadians. Although in-person ​Veterans​’ ​Week​ activities will be different this year with greatly reduced numbers, we can all find ways to honour the greatest of Canadians — the brave people who have pledged allegiance to a Canadian military uniform and in so doing assumed the risks that are inherent to military life. Although our ceremonies are smaller, and the distance between us wider, we are no less appreciative of the enormous sacrifices made by our service people. Lest we forget.

Will Amos, MP for Pontiac

Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Science and Industry