Minister of National Defence delivers remarks for Remembrance Day
Video / November 11, 2025
Transcript
Every year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians pause to remember.
We remember the women and men in uniform who left the comfort of home for the chaos of war.
We remember those who took up the fight and never returned.
And we remember those who came back forever changed.
From the trenches of Vimy Ridge to the beaches of Normandy…
From the hills of Korea to the mountains of Afghanistan…
From peacekeeping operations abroad to relief missions at home…
Canadians have stood valiantly in the name of peace, freedom, and democracy.
I’m proud to say that those in uniform today carry on the torch of bravery and service lit by our veterans.
Whether it’s by serving overseas—in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, or elsewhere.
By defending Canada’s sovereignty in the North.
Or by helping Canadians here at home in their time of need.
Our Canadian Armed Forces members—past and present—all understand an enduring truth.
Peace and prosperity are not automatic.
Hope and humanity are not guaranteed.
Instead, they must be nurtured, protected, and defended.
Too often, Canadians have paid that burden with their lives.
And so today—on Remembrance Day—we honour their legacy.
In our homes and in our hearts.
We pay tribute to those who have served, and those who still serve.
We wear a poppy and we share their stories.
And we resolve—each and every one of us—to continue building a better country and a safer world.
Lest we forget.