As the first snow falls around Steinbach and Remembrance Day gets closer, people from across our country are starting to set aside time to formally remember and give thanks to those that have served and those that do still today.

Every November since 1921, Canadians wear poppies as an act of remembrance. The first person to wear a poppy to remember was Moina Michael, a member of the staff of the American Overseas YMCA in 1918, the last year of the First World War. Moina read John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” and was so moved that she pledged to keep the faith and always to wear a red poppy as a sign of remembrance and the emblem of keeping the faith with all who died. Today, it instantly brings to mind the sacrifice that has been made by decades of Canadians in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the war in Afghanistan and various peacekeeping missions around the world.

In our community, Steinbach Branch #190 of the Royal Canadian Legion will be holding a Remembrance Day Service at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, located at 360 McKenzie Avenue on Saturday, November 11th at 10:45am. Every year when I attend the service, I have the opportunity to reflect on stories from the service men and women present, and for a moment gain some perspective. They have put their lives on the line in support of their country and they do so with the intention of protecting our freedoms and advancing those freedoms around the world. It’s their sacrifice that we honour and that we pay tribute to. It is very humbling to know that nothing I have experienced could ever compare to the sacrifices these individuals have made and the impact they have had on the shaping of our world.

2017 marks the 100 year anniversary of the battles of Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, Passchendaele, and the Third Battle of Ypres during the First World War. At the Battle of Vimy Ridge, it’s widely regarded by many historians as the moment when Canada became a nation. However, that moment must always be remembered for the tremendous sacrifice and the lives that were lost. It will also remind us that the freedom we enjoy today has come at a heavy cost.

On behalf of the Province of Manitoba and the constituents of Steinbach, I would like to thank all those men and women who have served our great nation, who continue to serve and keep us safe, and for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.