Mayor Marolyn Morrison — Lest we forget all those who have served and died

November 7, 2013 · 0 Comments

Remembrance Day is very special to my family and me.
As most of you know, we have two sons and a daughter-in-law serving our country in the Canadian Forces.
My grandfather was a Canadian Infantry soldier in the First World War, my step father was with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War and my husband’s father was in the Canadian Army, Tank Recovery in the Second World War.
Our youngest son, who is away from his home and family right now for two months on training as a Crew Commander, wrote some thoughts down about Remembrance Day and I would like to share them with you.

“My name is Corporal Bradley Morrison. I’m a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons out of Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. I was asked to speak about what Remembrance Day means to me. When I think of veterans, I think of all the men and women like my great-grandfather and grandfathers who protected our country in the Great Wars and the Korean War. Times have changed with the involvement of the Canadian Forces on the international scene.
A new generation is being remembered on this day as well, like some of my friends and comrades I have had the honour of serving with; Trooper Brian Good, Trooper Corey Hayes, Trooper Mark Diab and Trooper Jack Bouthillier. These soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten. I was in Afghanistan with these fine soldiers. My youngest son was named after Trooper Corey Hayes, who was a friend and colleague. He was killed on March 20, 2009 in Afghanistan by an IED.
Words I lived by when I served my two tours in Afghanistan are ‘In God We Trust.’
I have been stationed in Petawawa for five years with my wife, our three sons and our baby daughter and I think it is very important that the younger generation understands what Remembrance Day really means, so the men and women who have given their lives and also the serving members of the Canadian Forces and the veterans across Canada will never be forgotten. Thank you.”

Our sons and daughter-in-law believe that they can make a difference in this world by helping others less fortunate. We have outstanding individuals in our Canadian Armed Forces serving Canada. John and I are immensely proud of our three boys and all they have accomplished. However, when Remembrance Day rolls around each year, I am reminded of our families’ history of military service and commitment to this country. From the first Great War to today’s modern, international conflicts, each of us owes a debt of gratitude to those who have served and those who continue to serve and protect our Canadian way of life.