Statement from Nunatukavut President Russell in Honour of Remembrance Day

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, November 11, 2015 – The following is a Remembrance Day statement from Todd Russell, President of the NunatuKavut Community Council, in honour of all Veterans:

“Today, we pause to remember and honour the courageous men and women in uniform who have served our Country and those who still defend Canada today. They are often called upon to leave their home and families to fight during times of war or to peacefully protect and serve others. And, sadly, far too many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our values and freedoms. It is these values, these freedoms that strengthen us in all our diversity and differences, as citizens of Canada and our many Nations.

We will never forget the generations of brave Aboriginal men and women who have had to overcome prejudice and discrimination just to wear the uniform and who have stood strong, in wartime and peacetime, with their compatriots. We pay homage to their immense and special contribution and the price they paid, and continue to pay, for all Canadians.

On this day of remembrance, let us take a moment to solemnly reflect on what our veterans have so selflessly done for us and humbly offer our gratitude for the peace and democracy that we enjoy today. We commend the children for their many acts of Remembrance and, it is through them, that we shall never forget.

Let us also pay tribute to those who continue to serve and let your thoughts and prayers go out to them and their loved ones.

We will remember them.”

Also included is a poem written by 10-year-old Kaya Morrisseau from the Queen of Peace Middle School in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, whose work was selected and shared at a special gathering to honour our Veterans.

Remembrance Day Poem

By: Kaya Morrisseau

Grade 5, Queen of Peace Middle School

Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador

Guns, bombs, canons and danger…

We remember the soldiers who fought for us in war. We remember all the danger the soldiers went through. We remember the sickness the soldiers went through.

We remember soldiers missing their families and their loved ones. We remember the death of soldiers everywhere.

We remember their sacrifice for their lives. We remember the assaults, battles and bombs.

We remember the soldiers who fought for peace and more. We remember hearts were broken and people were lost. We remember soldiers strong and brave on the field.

We remember those who fought for freedom for you and me. We remember they fought for their country.

We remember they fought for a strong, peaceful, democratic and respectful Canada. We remember the ones who fought in war on Remembrance Day.

We do remember…

NT5