Each year in November we gather to reflect on the courage of Canadian veterans and soldiers at home and abroad, including our Indigenous veterans who have deep roots of service in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Our Canadian veterans have bravely protected our rights and freedoms throughout our history. Their efforts have helped civilians around the world as well as ensured freedom and security for Canadians at home. On Remembrance Day, we remember all those who bravely sacrificed their lives in the World Wars, Korean War and War in Afghanistan, and in ongoing peacekeeping missions and exercises. Today, current members of the Armed Forces continue to bring aid and stability to areas in conflict, in addition to providing support during times of crisis at home – including the military’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For over 100 years, Canadians have honoured this day by wearing a poppy. This Remembrance Day tradition began with Madame Anna Guérin, who was inspired by John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields", to adopt the distribution of the poppy as a way to raise money for Veterans' needs and to remember those who had given their lives during the First World War.

On National Indigenous Veteran’s Day (Nov. 8) and Remembrance Day (Nov. 11), we honour the bravery of Canada’s Armed Forces, both past and present. I encourage you to wear a poppy as a symbol of recognition and remembrance. To find a location to purchase poppies or other items from the Royal Canadian Legion’s online store in support of Canada’s veterans, please visit legion.ca (external link).

Thank you to our past, current and future heroes for helping keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.