The year 2014 marks the centennial of the outbreak of the First World War—the war that was to end all wars. It was during this conflict that many infamous battles, such as Passchendaele, Beaumont-Hamel, the Somme and Vimy Ridge, gave rise to an enhanced sense of Canadian nationhood. It was the heroism of Canadian men and women—many of whom found their final rest in the soil of Europe—that forged a nation and a pride in being Canadian.
It was 75 years ago that Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) unveiled the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Dedicated 25 years after the outbreak of the Great War and some 4 months before the outbreak of the Second World War, the monument was constructed to honour Canadians who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. It is fitting that the granddaughter of Their Majesties be with us as a Member of the Canadian Royal Family saluting all Canadian heroes who have proudly worn and, indeed, continue to proudly wear the uniforms of Her Majesty’s Canadian Armed Forces.
In addition to our military heroes, there are “everyday heroes” in our midst whose contributions to Canadian society are perhaps not as well-known and appreciated as they should be. From those volunteers who reach out to assist Canadians “at risk” to those who preserve our history and heritage to those who serve to ensure a safe and secure environment for all Canadians—these and still many others are all Canadian heroes who are to be honoured and celebrated and who continue to build a nation and a society that remains the envy of the entire world.
As we approach the sesquicentennial of the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 2017, “the road to 2017” will present all Canadians with numerous opportunities to appropriately honour the heroes in our communities in every corner of our country.
