Reflections on the National Day of Honour

May 9, 2014

The National Day of Honour is a moment in which we pause to reflect on the courage shown and the incredible personal sacrifices made by those who served during our country’s military mission in Afghanistan, as well as those made by their families. I was in Calgary earlier today and am very grateful to have attended a commemorative ceremony marking this day at the Mewata Armoury. Here, we paid tribute to the 158 Canadian soldiers who gave their lives and the more than 40,000 who served in pursuit of peace, freedom, and democracy in Afghanistan.

While meeting with the active servicemen and women, the veterans, and their families, I was struck by the profound love of country displayed by these people. It is this love of country that inspires so many Canadians to dedicate themselves to service. Whether choosing to join the military, run for office, or volunteer within their local communities, Canadians continue to demonstrate their selflessness and their willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of others.

I reflected with particular fondness on the memory of my grandfather, the Honourable James Sinclair, and on his admirable commitment to service. While elected to serve his country in Parliament, my grandfather also volunteered to serve his country overseas. As a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force throughout the Second World War, he flew in North Africa, Malta, and Sicily. He was one of very few Canadians to ever serve as both a Member of Parliament and on active military duty, a fact that I feel aptly demonstrates his dedication to Canada and his particular devotion to service. His is just one story, however, of the countless other Canadians who have served their country in their own way.

It is my most sincere hope that this National Day of Honour provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on our country’s proud history of service and to find inspiration in the dedication of the members of our Canadian Armed Forces – past, present, and future.

Justin