View as a web page Visit our website | Member Login

Nov. 4, 2020

We will not forget

Veterans’ Week is the second week of November set aside to commemorate the women and men who have served our country, as well as those who serve in uniform today, during times of war, conflict and peace. This year, we mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The board of directors, staff and volunteers of the Ottawa Branch join our members in remembering and honouring our veterans’ service, sacrifice and legacy and the sacrifice made by their families also. More than 2,300,000 Canadians have served throughout our nation’s history and more than 118,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures, so we may live in peace. We will not forget.

Advocating for veteran wellbeing is one of our Association’s key priorities. In the speech from the throne on Sept. 23, we noted that veterans were not included. We will continue to advocate and remind our government to remember and support our veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military service – not just during Veterans’ Week but all year long.

Volunteering is another way many of us remember and support our veterans. For example, we recently learned that one of our senior volunteers is also volunteering for Veterans’ House, Canada’s first community house for homeless veterans, a Multifaith Housing Initiative on the former military base, CFB Rockcliffe.

Another way to remember our veterans is through the Legion’s annual National Poppy Campaign and you can show your support with poppy merchandise (including face masks) available from the Legion here.

The Legion has also invited Canadians to submit photos as part of its Virtual Wall of Honour to recognize deceased veterans.

And of course, you can support Canadian charities dedicated to helping veterans through the federal retiree arm of the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign here.

Finally, we leave you with the famous poem, In Flanders Fields. Written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McRae (who himself became a fallen Canadian hero) in 1915, this poem inspired the poppy as a symbol to remember our fallen soldiers.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

By Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae May 3, 1915

Ottawa Branch Disclaimer: The Ottawa Branch provides information on issues, products and services of general interest to our membership. It does not endorse a particular position on a product or service, as being suitable for individual members, but brings them to the members' attention so that they can make up their own minds.

National Association of Federal Retirees, Ottawa Branch 2285 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa ON K1G 4Z5 Privacy Policy T | 613.737.2199 F | 613.737.9288 Communication Preferences federalretirees.ca Unsubscribe