November 11, 2024

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We are gathered today on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. By this acknowledgement, I want to express my gratitude to those who have cared for this land for thousands of years. I also want to honour the Indigenous peoples who contributed to our military history.

Remembrance Day is an important day for all of us and for our country.

Today, Canadians pay tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, past and present.

We must not only remember. We must understand.

We must understand the magnitude of military sacrifice, and the crucial work that our members in uniform do to preserve our freedom and security.

I recently visited the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in Northern France.

As our guides described the dire reality of the trenches in the First World War, I kept thinking of the young people who went through these dark hours – and of their families back home.

Over time, the nature of warfare has evolved. But military sacrifice continues to be just as profound today.

For many, the sacrifice of service is felt too close to home.

Today, we are humbled and honoured to host Mrs. Maureen Anderson, our National Silver Cross Mother, here at Rideau Hall.

Your two sons, Sergeant Ron Anderson and Sergeant Ryan Anderson, were both members of the Royal Canadian Regiment.

As kids, they were both active and energetic. One of their favourite pastimes was playing war games together. Eventually, they answered the call of duty, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines our nation.

Ron served in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo. He also deployed twice in Afghanistan.

Ron was awarded a commendation for saving the life of an injured little boy under perilous circumstances when he was in Afghanistan.

Ryan also served overseas in Bosnia, Ethiopia, Haiti – and in Afghanistan as well, alongside his brother Ron. 

Sadly, upon their return from service, it was clear that they were both profoundly changed. Once full of joy and humor, they became quiet and isolated. The scars of war are often invisible to the naked eye, and they run deeper than the physical wounds.

As a result of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ron took his own life in 2014. Soon after his brother’s passing, Ryan’s health took another downturn, and he passed away in 2017.

Mrs. Anderson, your loss is a profound one – a wound that time cannot fully heal. Yet, you have found the strength to carry on, to honor your sons’ memories, and to support others who have experienced similar grief.

We must honour the stories of Canada’s veterans and fallen CAF members.

We must also honour all grieving military families.

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.  

Thank you all, and take care.