November 5, 2004 It is a great privilege for me to once again be marking Remembrance Day, a day when Canadians across the country join with veterans to remember those who fought in the last two world wars, the Korean War and more recent conflicts. Together, we remember their sacrifices, the blood and tears they shed, and the wounds they carried when they came back home.... We also honour those who lost their lives and left a gaping void in the hearts of their parents, spouses, children, fellow workers and friends. I was deeply moved by my visit to Normandy and Italy this year for the 60th anniversary celebrations of D-Day and the Italian campaign and by my encounters with survivors of the horrors of the Second World War, including Canadian soldiers and some of the people who were liberated, as well as their descendants. This year we are paying special tribute to the veterans of the Italian campaign, which lasted from July 1943 to February 1945. Of the 100,000 Canadian troops who so bravely fought in this particularly bitter campaign, approximately 20,000 were wounded and a further 6,000 were killed. I was saddened to recall that most of our soldiers in that war were young adults barely out of their teens. Indeed, some who were not yet 16 years of age joined the Merchant Marine to be able to take part in what they thought would be a great adventure. They came home scarred by their experiences, of which they often will not speak. Anniversaries like Remembrance Day deepen a longing in us to know our veterans. Many of the Canadian servicemen and servicewomen who served in the different wars were of Aboriginal, French and English descent, but others reflected the ethnic diversity that defines Canada today. Together, they strengthened our identity as a peace-loving and welcoming society. They set a wonderful example for those who have since gone on to defend peace in the world. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer them my sincere thanks. It is my hope that, in the future, there will be no more unknown or forgotten soldiers. Adrienne Clarkson November 2004 -30- Media information Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 998-7280 or (613) 998-0287 www.gg.ca
