During Veterans’ Week, we mark two national observances to honour brave individuals who have served and currently serve Canada in times of war and peace — Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8 and Remembrance Day on November 11.
Indigenous Veterans Day
For many years, the service and sacrifice of First Nations, Inuit and Métis soldiers, nurses and others went unrecognized. The rights they fought to protect were often denied to them, and for many years, Indigenous veterans were not granted full veteran benefits and were not recognized at official Remembrance Day events.
I encourage everyone in the George Brown community to observe two minutes of silence today to honour the military service of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and their contributions to the advancement of peace and security.
Remembrance Day
On November 11, please join me and others across the college and country to observe two minutes of silence to honour the distinguished service and sacrifice of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, past and present. By pausing at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we mark the moment the First World War ended in 1918.
Remembrance Day offers an important opportunity for us to share our gratitude for members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. I would also like to recognize people in the George Brown College community who have family members serving in the armed forces.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize Canadians who have contributed through their service and sacrifice to the promise of a better world tomorrow and to the promise of peace.
Lest we forget.
Dr. Gervan Fearon
President
Image: Lieutenant David Greyeyes, shown in September 1943. Credit: Department of National Defence.
