A moving speech at the city's Remembrance Day Service (2024)

November 11th, Remembrance Day, is the day Canadians remember the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace; specifically, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all conflicts since then in which members of the Canadian Forces have participated to give us, and others, freedom.

I have not sacrificed anything for my freedom. It was given to me, by those who came before me and sacrificed so much. So now, it is my responsibility to never forget the service and the sacrifices of more than one and a half million Canadian soldiers, sailors, aircrew and merchant seaman.

They died so I could have the freedom to stand here, and give this speech. So I can get an education. Get a job. Live a free life. I am forever in their debt.

I will remember the sacrifices of everyone;

  • The doctors and nurses who tended to the wounded;
  • The parents who watched their children fight things that they couldn’t protect them from;
  • The children who were too young to understand why their moms and dads wouldn’t be home for Christmas;
  • The teen boys, who were shipped off to fight before they even got a chance at adulthood;
  • Or the kids who had to grow up too soon so they could take care of their families in the middle of the war.

Because they lost so much…and because they gave everything, I thank them. I will always remember.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we stand here in peace and safety, we pay our respects to all of the fallen, all of the wounded and all who served in conflicts over the last 100 years. Today, as we should every day, we remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought, and died, for our freedom. We thank you, and we salute you as we salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will never forget. We will remember you.

A moving speech at the city's Remembrance Day Service (2024)

FAQs

What do you say in a remembrance day speech? ›

So many innocent lives were lost War takes so many lives away But they were there to protect our country at any cost And we remember them with each poppy bloom. Good morning, Guests, veterans, ladies and gentlemen, We are honoured to be here to share in this important day of reflection and remembrance.

What to say at a remembrance day service? ›

“Ever-living God, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

What to say for a Memorial Day speech? ›

We are grateful for the support you gave your Soldier, so they could carry out the mission of protecting the rest of us. It is our responsibility as citizens to remember the Nation's brave fallen men and women - whether they died on foreign lands in the heat of battle or after a lifetime in the uniform of our Army.

What are the words for Remembrance Day? ›

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”

What do you say in a remembrance speech? ›

A eulogy should reflect the character, personality, achievements and values of the person who died. You could include special memories of times you shared alongside some of the story of their life.

How do you write a good remembrance message? ›

Memorial Message Suggestions
  1. May this serve as a living tribute to {her/his} memory.
  2. Who left this world a better place.
  3. To a life well lived.
  4. 'til we meet again, my friend.
  5. Your memory will live on as this tree blossoms and grows.
  6. Praying for your strength and resilience. ...
  7. We are so sorry for your loss.

What is a short poem for Remembrance Day? ›

In Flanders Fields

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.

What is the message of Remembrance Day? ›

Remembrance Day is for us to remember and memorialise those who sacrificed their lives – this is not to the glorification of war. This is a time for us to be reflective and to be thankful for the peace and liberty that we now enjoy. We want it to remain so, especially with many wars taking place in the world today.

What is the blessing for Remembrance Day service? ›

The National Anthem(s) are sung The following blessing is used: God grant to the living grace, to the departed rest, to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth [or to the Church, the State] and all people, unity, peace and concord, and to us and all God's servants, life everlasting.

What is a powerful quote for Memorial Day? ›

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." "Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave."

How do you start a memorial service speech? ›

Introducing yourself in relation to the person you are remembering can be a good place to start. Describe what they meant to you, and what qualities defined them in your eyes. This will establish a connection with other people at the service and put you in the picture for those who might not know you very well.

How do you end a memorial service speech? ›

If you're unsure how to end your eulogy, finish with a simple goodbye, or a thank you for the memories you shared. You might choose to use traditional phrases like 'rest in peace' or 'sleep well'. Or you can use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share with the person who has died.

What are the words for Remembrance Day service? ›

(All) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

What are 3 words for remembrance? ›

Some common synonyms of remembrance are memory, recollection, and reminiscence. While all these words mean "the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered," remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

What is Remembrance Day in simple words? ›

One day every year, we pay special homage to those who died in service to their country. We remember these brave men and women for their courage and their devotion to ideals. We wear poppies, attend ceremonies, and visit memorials.

What is the proper greeting for Remembrance Day? ›

In remembrance of our heroes on this Memorial Day. Wishing you a memorable Memorial Day weekend. Today we honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice. Sending you warm wishes on this day of remembrance.

What phrase is commonly used on Remembrance Day? ›

"Lest we forget" is a phrase commonly used in war remembrance services and commemorative occasions in English speaking countries, usually those connected to the British Empire, like Canada.

What do you say instead of Happy Remembrance Day? ›

Try something like: “Enjoy your weekend, but I want you to know that I will be remembering what this holiday is about.” “Enjoy your weekend, and I will be thinking about those who are no longer with us.” “I will be taking a moment this weekend to honor those who served our nation and are no longer with us."

What do you say in remembrance? ›

Sincere sympathy for such a difficult loss. Sincere condolences for the loss of such an amazing person. May your beautiful memories of a remarkable life comfort you. A great soul never dies, they live on forever in our heart.

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