View From the Legislature

In what has become an annual tradition at the Manitoba Legislature, the “Poppy Blanket”, made up of 8,000 handmade poppies amassing 85 feet in length, was put on display this week in a stunning presentation that stretches from the third floor of the building all the way down the Grand Staircase. The red poppies set against the white Tyndall stone interior is nothing short of stunning. It is a reminder to Manitobans that Remembrance Day is upon us and that it is a time to reflect on the liberties that we have and the cost that was paid to achieve them.

Once again this Remembrance Day, there is conflict in the world that demonstrates that peace is neither a given nor should it be taken for granted. Terrorist attacks in Israel and the ongoing war in Ukraine that began with the invasion by Russia, are reminders that conflict continues even as Canadians experience peace in our country. Yet, there are many Canadians who are engaged in peace keeping around the world and who carry with them not only the prayers of a grateful nation, but the legacy of the men and women who have gone before them.

At times it is easy to forget the contributions that Canada has made to freedom in the world. It often takes others to remind us of those contributions. I recall several years ago meeting with the Belgium ambassador to Canada on a visit to Manitoba. With sincere appreciation and emotion, he expressed how grateful the people of Belgium are to this very day for the efforts of Canadians during World War II in liberating that country from Germany. It was clear during that discussion that the interceding years have done nothing to lessen the esteem with which Canada and Canadians were held.

These expressions of appreciation from countries around the world are not uncommon and they are not limited to the first and second world war. Canada has often played a critical role in supporting military operations and peace keeping around the world through every generation. All told, more than 2 million Canadians have served in the cause of freedom with tens of thousands giving their lives as the ultimate sacrifice. Remembrance Day is about honouring those who have served Canada, but it is also about praying for peace and freedom in the world.

For all of these reasons and many more, Remembrance Day continues to be important to Canadians and they demonstrate that by showing up year after year at the many ceremonies across the country. Often organized by local Legions, these ceremonies feature the traditional moments of silence and reflection, the reciting of names for those who have been lost and the laying of wreaths. Importantly, they are an opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to those they have never met but who have given them so much. And they are a recognition of the special place Canada has in many places in the world who today still feel grateful to our country.

This Saturday, on November 11th, let us pause to remember their sacrifice and pray for peace. Lest we forget.