Rideau Hall, Friday, November 11, 2016

Today, we gather to reflect and to remember those we have lost.

And today, we welcome to Rideau Hall Mrs. Colleen Fitzpatrick, the Silver Cross Mother.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick is the recipient of an honour no one wishes to receive.

She is here to represent all mothers—and all fathers, too—who have lost a child in service to our nation.

Her son, Corporal Darren James Fitzpatrick, was wounded in Afghanistan in 2010. He later died in Edmonton, surrounded by family and those who loved him.

Since that time, Mrs. Fitzpatrick has channelled her pain to become an advocate for a very worthy cause. Her wounded son was able to come home, to say goodbye before he passed away, thanks to the generosity of those who gave blood.

Now, she encourages other people to donate blood, to save or extend a life.

And she has given back to the community in many other ways as well. We are so impressed with her courage, and we are grateful for all that she does.

Now, as Silver Cross Mother, we ask her to share her story with all of us, to help us honour and remember not only her son, but also all those who have sacrificed and all who have fallen.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s husband, Jim—who is also here with us today—once said that losing Darren changed the way he sees Remembrance Day.

It’s something we should all stop to think about: for some Canadians, Remembrance Day takes on a different meaning. For them, it’s about remembering the loss of someone they knew, someone who they loved dearly.

Most of us cannot understand what this day looks like when viewed through such a personal, painful lens.

How can we understand? How can we imagine the loss?

Of course we can’t. Not fully. But we can pause in our busy, daily lives and take the time to ask veterans and their families to share their stories.

We can listen and learn about the sacrifices that are made on our behalf every day.

We can simply stop and reflect silently.

And we can take the time to honour those who are not here with us.    

War is never abstract for those who are personally involved. Death is never anonymous or impersonal.

So let’s learn about the people who sacrificed for us.

Let’s learn about Corporal Darren James Fitzpatrick—“Fitzy,” as he was known to friends and family.

He was passionate about helping others.

He was close with his two brothers and was well-loved by his comrades-in-arms.

He was an avid snowboarder and enjoyed playing football.

He was 21 years old and had a whole life ahead of him.

Of course, he was also so much more than this.

This was who we lost.

This was who Colleen and Jim, and brothers, Michael and Sean, lost.

To remember him—to remember all of the sons and daughters, and husbands and fathers, and wives and mothers—is both our responsibility and our privilege. 

Lest we forget.