Remembrance Day 2022 - Member Statement

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I also rise to mark the solemn occasion of Remembrance Day. Each year we take this day to mark the sorrow of war and the sacrifice of communities, friends, and families. We resolve to not forget the lessons that history has taught us.

In my own family, World War II plays a pivotal role. My grandfather and his brothers, recent immigrants, eagerly signed up to fight in the Allied Forces. They never regretted their service, but they returned changed.

My other three grandparents were among the escaped and liberated, fleeing Nazi-occupied Hungary, Poland, and France. Their history is one of persecution and fear, of increasingly dangerous travel through Europe over land borders, of daring escapes and sad goodbyes, and ultimately, of freedom and long life. They never forgot the horror of war or the forces that mobilized to ultimately put an end to it.

Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day is a day for us to remember all of our histories and all those who served on our behalf and to reflect and resolve to honour and care for veterans and their families. Lest we forget. (Applause)