Rideau Hall, Wednesday, November 11, 2015

To lose a child is unimaginable. It’s horrific. It’s something that stays in your head and in your heart. It informs everything you do.

That has certainly been the case for parents of soldiers who have not come home.

It’s the case of our Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Sheila Anderson.

It was in 2007 that her son, Corporal Jordan Anderson, was killed in Afghanistan.

A mother and father lost a son.

Brothers lost a sibling.

A wife lost a husband.

A country lost a brave, dedicated and unwavering soul.

Mrs. Anderson, though, would not and has not let the memory of her son slip into obscurity. She is an active participant in Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country and has raised funds for veterans with PTSD.

Now, we ask her to take on a different role.

Mrs. Anderson, as Silver Cross Mother, you are being asked to share your experiences, to represent every mother—every parent—who has lost a son or daughter.

And we ask that you let us share in your grief, because to hear Corporal Anderson’s story is to grieve for possibilities lost. He was determined to make his country and the world a better place.

During his life, he certainly made this a better world, and we can only try to live up to his enthusiasm and optimism.

Serving others is never easy, particularly for those who serve in uniform. They risk their lives every day for ideals that we sometimes take for granted.

But there are things worth the risk.

Freedom is worth struggling for.

Peace is worth striving for.

Family is worth everything.

The cost, however. The cost is enormous.

Today is Remembrance Day. A day we set aside to honour everyone who has ever fought and died for our country.

It is one of the hardest days of the year for many families and veterans who relive the tragic losses in our country’s history. But it is also a day for Canadians to show how proud we are of our servicemen and women.

They are there to protect us at home and to serve others abroad.

Wherever I’ve gone, wherever our Canadian Armed Forces are stationed, I’ve not only seen their commitment and dedication, but I’ve also been told how meaningful their presence is.

Corporal Anderson brought meaning to his role—and to the words honour and duty—no matter where he served.

Today, we honour him. Today, we honour all families who have sacrificed alongside those who have fallen and those who still serve despite the danger and the risk.

Mrs. Anderson, I thank you for being this year’s Silver Cross Mother. And thank you for doing all you can for the veterans and military families in Canada.

Your son would be proud.

Thank you.