Remembrance Day Statement by the Prime Minister

"Remembrance Day offers Canadians a chance to reflect on the meaning of duty, courage and country. We do so by honouring the memory of the brave men and women who have given their lives in two world wars, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, and as international peacekeepers.

Throughout this century, our soldiers have willingly forgone the comfort and love of home and family - indeed their very future - so that we could continue to enjoy peace, freedom and democracy. Their gallantry is a timeless national treasure.

And it is as eloquent testimony to their memory that we have worked tirelessly as a nation to rid the world of war and the most terrible weapons of war. Their spirit will be with us in Ottawa this December when we join with up to 100 nations to sign a treaty banning the use of anti-personnel landmines.

By continuing to work together to foster and enhance the values of tolerance, understanding and democracy for which they fought and died, we can, in some small way, show that their duty and courage were not sacrificed in vain."

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555