Earlier this year Canada lost its last known survivor of the War to End All Wars, when John (Jack) Babcock died in February.
On Thursday young and old alike will pay tribute to those who served – and continue to serve our country today – a fitting tribute to the men and women who preserved our freedom.
Many did so with their lives.
More than 650,000 Canadians answered the call of duty between 1914 and 1918. More than 170,000 were wounded during the battles that forever scarred the European landscape. Sixty-eight thousand paid the ultimate price.
The lesson not learned well enough by the German and Japanese, two decades later Canadians were called to the front again.
When all was said and done in 1945, Hitler was dead, alongside 45,000 Canadians.
In Korea more than 500 Canadians died, and today, in Afghanistan, 152 have been killed.
One cannot imagine what the world would be like today if these brave soldiers, nurses, sailors and airmen had not put their lives on the line when their country and planet needed them the most.
On Thursday, take a few moments to remember their sacrifice, and pay thanks to them for all you have today.
