Ottawa, Friday, November 11, 2005

We have gathered today in the Hall of Honour in memory of fallen Canadians.

The Seventh Book of Remembrance lists the names of members of the Canadian Forces who have died while on duty since October 1, 1947.

It will join six other similar volumes, Books of Remembrance commemorating the women and men who fought and died while serving their country.

I am deeply moved by the story of the Books of Remembrance. Originally, it was intended that the names of all Canadians who fell in the First World War would be engraved on the walls of a chamber on the second floor of the Peace Tower, in the Memorial Chamber.

Unfortunately, there is not enough room on these walls for the more than 66,000 names of fallen Canadian soldiers.

Not enough space.

And so they created a Book of Remembrance; a record that would forever pay tribute to the sacrifice made by those selfless and courageous Canadians.

Since the “War to End All Wars”, five other Books of Remembrance joined the first.

They honour the Canadians who died in the Second World War, the Korean War, the South African War and the Nile Expedition, as well as the fallen from Newfoundland before it joined Confederation, and those who gave their lives serving in the Merchant Marine.

And now we come to the Seventh Book of Remembrance. This Book is unique in that it will never close. It will be used to commemorate those who have given their lives for Canada for generations to come.

This Seventh Book of Remembrance also carries an underlying note of hope, because it is a testament to the willingness of our military women and men to help bring peace and security to a troubled world.

I find it especially fitting that we are dedicating this Book at this moment in our history, during the Year of the Veteran, just as expert craftsmen are restoring the names of fallen Canadian heroes on the Vimy Memorial, in France.

Both activities are a part of the same grand enterprise, remembering our war dead, and paying homage to them for everything they have given us.

Just a few weeks ago, I was honoured to accompany, in Normandy, a delegation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans, spiritual leaders and youths on a pilgrimage to battlefields and cemeteries in Europe.

We went to honour the contribution and the sacrifice of the many Aboriginal Canadians who fought in Canada’s armed forces.

I was overwhelmed with emotion as I looked at the names and ages of our fallen Canadians on the headstones at Bény-sur-Mer. They were so young and had so much to look forward to.

While I was walking in that cemetery, I saw the names of more than 2000 Canadian soldiers on the headstones. At such a young age, they gave their lives to liberate women and men they did not even know from tyranny.

With us this morning is Mrs. Claire Léger, representing all Canadian mothers who have lost a child in combat. Mrs. Léger, I would like to express our sympathies and profound gratitude.

The book we are dedicating today will remind us of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and justice.

The best way that we can preserve their memory is to continue in our efforts to promote peace, mutual support and respect in the world.

Thank you.