Video of CAF speakers delivering the speech for youths in grade 3 to 6
Video / October 27, 2020
Transcript
Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence:
Hi Kids,
I’m Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence for Canada, and I wanted to talk to you before you watch this great Veterans’ Week video.
I know this hasn’t been an easy eight months for you because of the Coronavirus. So I want to thank you for doing your part to keeping yourselves and your families safe.
Remembrance Day is an important time to think about our history, and to remember our brave Veterans who fought to protect Canada.
This is also a special time to think about the people who work so hard in the Canadian Armed Forces today, to keep us all safe.
So, I hope you enjoy hearing more about our Veterans in this video. And a special thank you to all of the teachers, families, and friends, who are keeping our history alive and helping you learn it.
And a special thank you to all our Veterans.
SLt Simon Bullock:
I’m sorry I can’t be there with you in person today. My colleagues and I from the Canadian Armed Forces appreciate this chance to talk to you about Remembrance Day, and to tell you a bit more about our veterans.
On Remembrance Day, we remember Canada’s sailors, soldiers and aviators who have risked, or even lost, their lives so we could live with freedoms, in peace and enjoying our Canadian way of life.
LS Jodie Moase:
We remember people like Sergeant Ernest Smith, also known as “Smokey” who was awarded Canada’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, during the Second World War.
In October 1944, Smokey got separated from his unit near the Savio River in Italy, but all by himself, drove back 30 German soldiers and destroyed a tank.
Years later, Smokey said “They must have figured there was a whole army there because they could have wiped me out in no time if they'd known I was practically all by myself.”
He was a kid from New Westminster British Columbia, who was backed into a corner, and became a one-man army.
On Remembrance Day, we remember people like Smokey who’s just one of thousands of Canadians who have sacrificed so much to defend the country we love…
…To make the world a better place.
I’m in the Canadian Armed Forces, and I remember
LCol Melissa Reyes:
…Members who fought in Afghanistan…
Lt(N) Ellie Aminale:
…Sailors who prevented drugs from entering our country…
[CAF Speaker]
…Aviators who helped to protect North American air space…
Sgt Daniel Racette:
…Military medical staff who gave medical care to people who had never seen a doctor before
A/SLt Shannon Delaney:
Some members were injured, while others lost their lives.
We remember all our members who have fallen in the line of duty.
Sgt Daniel Racette:
And we think of their families who
… have lost a spouse,
… fathers, sons, mothers or daughters, brothers or sisters.
Lt(N) Ellie Aminale:
And I remember, because I hope…
…That, in the future, on this day…
…Someone remembers me.
S1 JC Richards:
Today we remember the generations of veterans who came before us. We remember…
We are the latest generation working to keep our country safe and free. You may even know someone who is part of the military family. Maybe someone like you or your friend’s parents or grandparents who have fought, or continue to fight for our freedom.
On Remembrance Day, we honour the stories of our veterans—from victories to defeats.
LS Jodie Moase:
Not everybody earns a medal in wartime or makes it into the history books.
There are many who people have never heard of, but they too played an important part in protecting our freedom.
Like the 1.1 million Canadians who served in the Second World War…
And the tens of thousands of Canadians who served in Korea, Afghanistan, and in other missions around the world…
…every one of them is important to us and has an important story to tell.
LCol Melissa Reyes:
Each of these stories share a common theme: Determination.
Determination to fight for freedom and peace, despite the hardships and personal sacrifices.
Because that’s what true heroes do.
Heroes like Captain Nicola Goddard. She was only 26 when she was killed in Afghanistan in 2006 helping to create a brighter future for the people of that country. She was the first Canadian woman combat soldier killed in action.
It’s thanks to people like Nicola that today we live in a country that guarantees our rights and freedoms. Their heroism is the reason Canadians enjoy a high standard of living and quality of life.
SLt Simon Bullock:
And that is why I am so proud to wear a poppy. To show that we honour the sacrifices of the members who came before me. To show how proud I am to serve today in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Whether it’s far away or on home soil, we can be counted on to keep Canadians and our country safe. Just as our veterans did.
That’s the link that ties today’s military members to those who came before us. We are all part of the Canadian family. And we are all in this together.
No matter where we’re needed – here at home, or beyond our shores– dedicated Canadian Armed Forces members are ready to help.
S1 JC Richards:
We remember that there are still wars ongoing...
There are people still struggling for the same rights and freedoms we take for granted…
There are those who still need our help.
That’s why I serve.
And that’s why I remember.
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