November 11, 2024
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser attended the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Also in attendance was this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Maureen Anderson, a mother who has experienced the immeasurable loss of her two sons, Sgt Ron Anderson and Sgt Ryan Anderson, both members of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Ron’s military career took him to places like Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan, where he completed two tours of duty. During his time in Afghanistan, Ron was commended for his bravery after saving the life of an injured child.
Ryan also served overseas, with deployments in Bosnia, Ethiopia, Haiti and Afghanistan, where he served alongside his brother, Ron.
Mrs. Anderson placed a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a child in military service to Canada.
At Rideau Hall, a luncheon was held in honour of the National Silver Cross Mother, where the Governor General thanked Mrs. Anderson and extended her deepest sympathies.
Thank you, Mrs. Anderson, for your dedication and empathy. As Silver Cross Mother, you stand as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice. You represent the countless mothers who have lost their children in service to our country.
We will remember them, and we must also commit ourselves to supporting the mental health and well-being of our veterans and their families.
