As we begin a week of reflection and recognition, please join me to take the time to honour the courage of individuals who have served and continued to serve our country, through your observance of the Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, and Remembrance Day on November 11.
On Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, we pause to express our gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples. Indigenous Peoples have served Canada in the military for more than a century, even as they were denied the freedoms and rights that they fought to protect. In recognition of their sacrifice and courage, let us observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. in honour of this day and the Indigenous Peoples who have stood to advance peace and security. The City of Toronto is commemorating the day by unveiling a plaque in the Hall of Memory at Toronto City Hall.
On November 11, Remembrance Day, let us come together as a community to observe two minutes of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This moment connects us to that moment in 1918, when the guns of the First World War fell silent, and the war ended. It is a time for us to show our gratitude and respect to those who have served throughout our nation's history and who dedicated themselves to the service of others.
In remembering, we also honour those who now serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, and the veterans who have served on our behalf. We will never forget their individual and collective service.
I would like to also recognize all the members of the College community who have members of their family serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize Canadians who have contributed through their distinguished service and sacrifice.
Dr. Gervan Fearon,
President, George Brown College
