Press Release – Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P. (Battle River—Crowfoot):
On November 11th, 1918, the guns fell silent after four years of devastating global war.
Since then, Canadians have gathered each year on Remembrance Day to honour those who have served our country and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our freedoms throughout our nation’s history.
For our communities in Battle River–Crowfoot, this year is different. The horrible tragedy on October 17th at CFB Wainwright is still fresh in our hearts.
We continue to mourn and remember Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Hayden Lykkemark, and Private Aidan Goulding.
For those who bear scars from this tragedy, both seen and unseen, we also continue to pray and support their healing.
The tragedy reminds us that Remembrance Day is more than another day to reflect. It is a solemn reminder that the peace, freedom and democracy we enjoy today came at a tremendous cost, and that cost continues to this day.
It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the courage of those who answered Canada’s call in times of peace and war, and to honour the sacrifices made by those who never returned home.
Here in Battle River–Crowfoot at CFB Wainwright to the battlefields of two world wars to Korea, Afghanistan and countless other missions, these heroes carried with them the values that define the very best of our country: duty, courage, sacrifice, perseverance and love of Canada.
Among the many remarkable individuals from our region’s proud military history is Private Cecil John Kinross of Lougheed. Serving with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War, he earned the Victoria Cross, Canada’s highest military honour, at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. Although wounded, he charged an enemy machine gun position alone, destroying it and helping his unit advance during one of the war’s most brutal battles. His courage remains an enduring symbol of selfless service and a reminder that extraordinary heroism often comes from ordinary Canadians.
But the stories of our military heroes are not just found in history books. Their names are inscribed on the monuments that stand in many of our towns across East Central Alberta, and all of Canada.
Their stories are preserved in family photographs, letters and memories passed down from one generation to the next, and in many cases adorn the walls of local Legion halls.
Remembrance Day is also about the families who stood behind those who served. Through long absences, uncertainty and loss, they shared in the burdens of military service. Their sacrifices, though often unseen, helped sustain those who wore Canada’s uniform and continue to deserve
our gratitude and respect.
As we gather across Battle River–Crowfoot, we are reminded this year how important it is to remember. We remember those who are ready to serve across the armed forces, those who fought to defend freedom and served on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions around the world. We honour those who returned home and those who gave everything in service to our country.
Most importantly, we recommit ourselves to preserving their legacy and ensuring future generations understand the price paid for the freedoms they inherit. The men and women we honour on Remembrance Day entrusted us with that responsibility.
Lest we forget.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, or if you require assistance regarding a Federal Government program, you are encouraged to send an email to pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca or call 1-800-665-4358.
