November 11, 2013

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston,
Governor General of Canada, on the occasion of Remembrance Day

OTTAWA— When the call to arms first sounded, thousands of Canadians took up the quarrel with a most terrible foe. The machine of war cut them down in their youth, to lay for eternity in foreign fields. Still, their spirit lives on in our acts of remembrance.

History has flowed past in the sombre waves of veterans marching in annual parades at memorials held across the country. Heads high, arms stiffened in salute, despite the weight of time and memory resting upon their shoulders. Dwindling ranks from battles of long ago are replenished with the men and women whose more recent service abroad and at home has earned them a place of privilege among their older comrades-in-arms.

This Remembrance Day, I will humbly and proudly receive their salute, on behalf of all Canadians. We are grateful for your service and thank you for your sacrifices. We will never forget.

David Johnston

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Media information:

Melanie Villeneuve
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
melanie.villeneuve@gg.ca