Veterans Affairs Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 10, 2009) - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, issued the following message on the occasion of Remembrance Day 2009:

"As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in the best country in the world, and we owe much of it-if not all of it-to the brave men and women who have always been willing to defend our way of life. As Canadians, it is our solemn duty to remember their accomplishments and sacrifices.

"This Remembrance Day, our government is asking Canadians, "How will you remember?"

"How will you remember the achievements of our soldiers who have served on peacekeeping missions and military operations throughout the world?

"How will you remember the men and women who stepped forward to defend our peace and freedom in the First and Second World Wars, and in Korea?

"Or the courageous men and women who sacrifice so much in Afghanistan today?

"Today, we will join together and pause for a moment of silence-a moment to think about how we will remember the countless contributions of our Veterans. To think about the many young men and women who have sacrificed so much so that we might see a better future.

"These brave men and women-our Canadian Veterans-have earned the right to be called our nation's truest heroes.

"As we mark Remembrance Day, I encourage you to make remembrance more than something you feel-make it something you do. Show your appreciation for our Veterans-for their sacrifices and achievements. Show how you remember-not just today, but every day."