Mayor Bevilacqua reflects on Remembrance Day
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Honouring our veterans, first responders and service members
The following statement was issued by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua to commemorate Remembrance Day:
“On November 11, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our democracy, rights and freedoms. Our veterans' selflessness and courage continue to inspire all Canadians – particularly those who serve our country at home and abroad, and the rest of us who remain eternally grateful for their service.
“We must never forget that the opportunities we enjoy today came at a tremendous cost. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. During the Second World War, Canada played a pivotal role in liberating Europe from the Nazi regime; however, more than 45,000 Canadian troops did not return home. By pausing to reflect, we promise always to remember their unimaginable sacrifice.
“This Remembrance Day, I encourage all citizens to leave a message on the City of Vaughan's virtual Poppy Wall to recognize and honour the service of our fallen heroes and first responders. You can also view the City's digital archival exhibit titled, The War Effort Seen Through Their Eyes: Recollections and Mementos of the World Wars, featuring wartime artifacts and veterans' mementos at vaughan.ca/RemembranceDay.
“As a city, province and nation, we thank our remarkable service members, past and present, for all they have done and continue to do to keep us and our neighbours around the world safe. They provided us with the right to live freely, with equality, dignity, and without discrimination. This is their legacy, for which we are eternally grateful.
“We must safeguard our human rights to ensure that their lives were not lost in vain. This promise is but a small token of our appreciation and sincere gratitude for the extraordinary sacrifices made by generations before us.
“Lest we forget.”
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