NVWSP 2024 video for an audience of all ages
Video / October 21, 2024
Transcript
As members of the Canadian Armed Forces, we work hard everyday to defend values of peace and freedom – both at home and around the world.
It’s a proud legacy that stretches back across Canada’s history–from Confederation through the First and Second World Wars, all the way to Korea and Afghanistan.
And we carry on this important work today.
Canadian Armed Forces members are stationed all across the globe, supporting our Allies and partners wherever they need.
For example, approximately 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are in Central and Eastern Europe, working with our Allies to deter Russian aggression in that region.
In Latvia, Canada leads more than 4,000 troops from 10 other NATO nations, demonstrating NATO’s determination to defend the borders of its member states.
We are also sharing our knowledge with other militaries to help them build their skills and capacities, including Ukrainian troops, who are fighting desperately for peace and prosperity in their homeland.
CAF members are also patrolling waters at home and around the world to protect people from danger…
And through Operation NANOOK, they’re conducting annual military exercises in Canada’s North, along with our Allies, to ensure that the Arctic is safe and secure.
And it can be difficult work.
Sometimes we’re deployed away from our loved ones…
Sometimes we must step in and help people going through really difficult situations…
And sometimes we need to put the safety of others, above our own.
Some people have lost their lives while serving our country and others have returned home with life changing injuries – both physical and mental.
But we do it because we believe it’s so important to help others in times of need, and protect this beautiful land that we call home.
On Remembrance Day and during Veterans Week we take time to remember all those who have served – both past and present.
We remember people like the late Able Seaman Fred Turnbull.
He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at only 17 years old. And at only 19 years old, he took part in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, which marked the beginning of Western Europe’s liberation from Nazi control.
Turnbull’s job was to help bring soldiers by boat to the beaches of Normandy in France.
This included dropping the ramp of the landing craft and jumping over the bow to help steady it so that the troops could storm ashore.
It was a scary and dangerous position to be in as he was exposed to enemy fire.
But Turnbull said, “You just have a job to do, and you do it.”
He would return to the beaches of Normandy four times to deliver supplies.
Because of his efforts, he was awarded France’s highest decoration for service – the Legion of Honour.
We remember Turnbull and the thousands of Canadians who put their lives on the line during the Second World War to defend peace, freedom, democracy, and human rights for all.
We also remember the 40,000 Canadians who fought in the war in Afghanistan.
People like Corporal Ainsworth Dyer.
On April 17, 2002, he was taking part in night training when his position was accidentally bombed by an American warplane.
Dyer and three other Canadian soldiers were killed, and another eight were injured.
This unfortunate tragedy reminds us that members of the Canadian Armed Forces take on risk both in combat and in training while fighting for the rights and freedoms of those around the world.
A memorial footbridge is named after Dyer in Edmonton, Alberta. The plaque on it summarizes the legacy he leaves behind. It says, “Ainsworth was a man who loved his country and died to keep us free.”
During Veterans Week, we also remember those who have served more recently.
People like Sergeant Vincent C-Benoit, Master, Corporal Alexandre Fortin, and Master Corporal Matthew Henry – all Search and Rescue Technicians.
On December 27, 2023, a plane went down about 300 kilometres north of Yellowknife.
All three members parachuted into cold and windy conditions to assist the eight passengers and two crew members.
They brought medical supplies, food and survival gear into the dark night.
They tended to the injuries and put up shelters to protect the passengers from the harsh elements.
They kept the passengers and crew safe until morning when a helicopter was able to access the site.
Because of these search and rescue technicians, they prevented loss of life and ensured all passengers and crew returned home to their loved ones.
We also think of people like Captain Jackie Ruis, a Chinook helicopter pilot.
She knew she wanted to be a pilot ever since she was a kid.
Captain Ruis’ first deployment was on Operation PRESENCE. Through this mission, the Canadian Armed Forces supported the United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Mali for more than five years.
Captain Ruis’ role was to bring medical teams to people who were injured and then bring the injured to the hospital.
She said that while she loved flying, each time she got to do it, it meant someone else was having a terrible day.
But she said she took comfort in knowing that she was helping others during their most difficult moments.
Whether on land, at sea, or in the air – members of the Canadian Armed Forces have made many sacrifices so that we can live in peace and freedom.
And they continue doing so today, at an especially difficult time for our world—with climate change, and new adversaries who want to challenge our way of life.
So, this Veterans Week and Remembrance Day, please take a moment to think of all of those who have served and continue to serve.
There are lots of ways to remember.
You can say thank you to a currently serving military member or Veteran…
Attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony…
Or wear a poppy over your heart.
Take the time to share their stories and listen to their stories so that they’re passed down to the next generation.
By doing this, we keep our promise to never forget.
Thank you.
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