Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on Remembrance Day:
“Today, at home and in countries around the world, the words of a great Canadian will be read. A Guelph native and graduate of the University of Toronto, John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields while serving with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War.
“His famous words do not bring us to the site of some glorious battle, but to a quiet cemetery in northern Belgium. For over a century, McCrae’s poem has been a part of how we remember his war – and all conflicts in which brave Canadian sailors, soldiers and aviators have given their lives.
“His words speak to who we are as Canadians. We are a nation of warriors, the victors of Normandy and Vimy Ridge, but we are also a peaceful and peace-loving people who understand the terrible cost of armed conflict.
“From the National War Memorial to the cenotaphs of our small towns, Canadians will pause in silence and lay wreaths in memory of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We honour and salute our living veterans of all conflicts, including the many who returned with wounds seen and unseen. And we recall the spirit of integrity, duty and patriotism that has motivated brave Canadians in every time and place. The torch is ours to hold it high.
“Lest we forget.”