Remembrance Day
Message from the Ombudsman | 11 November 2021
Every Remembrance Day, we honour those who sacrificed so much so that we could enjoy the lives we have today.
Canadians from a wide variety of backgrounds have made important contributions to our military and peacekeeping operations nationwide and around the world. Our Regular and Reserve Forces continue to serve Canada heroically, to uphold the freedom for which our veterans fought during two world wars and other global theatres, and to defend peace and respect for human rights around the world.
This year marks the 105th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel.
On 1 July 1916, roughly 800 members of the Newfoundland Regiment attacked the German troops at the front of Beaumont-Hamel in France. Over 700 members lost their lives, were wounded, or went missing.
The Battle of the Somme — fought over four and a half months in 1916 — resulted in more than 24,000 Canadian and Newfoundlander casualties.
The loss sustained by Canadians and Newfoundlanders during these battles was immense, and did not go unnoticed. These are only two of many instances in Canadian military history where Canada was faced with significant losses.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Poppy. Inspired by the 1918 poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, the poppy has been a symbol of remembrance since 1921.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s National Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa will be different. The annual ceremony will take place at the National War Memorial, and will be modified to meet local health guidelines. The Royal Canadian Legion will also stream the ceremony live on their Facebook page.
Our veterans have done their duty to Canada. We must always remember their sacrifices. And we are forever grateful.
Gregory A. Lick
Ombudsman