First Poppy Presentation at the Legislature
On October 29th, David Swann spoke at the Alberta Legislature to celebrate the presentation of the first poppy of the season of remembrance:
Your Honour, Honourable Premier, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mason, veterans, Legion members and special guests – good morning. It is an honour to join all of you in celebrating our veterans with the presentation of the first poppy.
I am not a veteran, but I have seen the aftermath of war and conflict firsthand, in Africa and in the Middle East. I know that innocent people suffer and die when good people do not stand up to help them.
I have also seen the effects that a corrupt or evil government can have on its citizens – the starvation, the abuse of human rights, indentured servitude, personal freedoms limited or eliminated, families destroyed, children deprived of their potential and even their lives.
Canadian veterans went to war and continue to serve today because they believe in fundamental human rights and freedoms, because they, like all Canadians, believe that human beings should live free of terror, free of starvation, free of tyranny and abuse.
Canadians helped put an end to fascism, defended innocents in Korea, and have helped keep the peace all over the world. Today, our men and women in uniform try to bring peace and democracy to Afghanistan.
The men and women of our armed forces have performed above and beyond the call of duty, so much so that they have the respect and admiration not only of their fellow
Canadians, but of people all over the world. Those who serve in our Armed Forces are well known not only for their expertise, but their humanity, their genuine desire to help forge a more peaceful, a more just, and a more democratic world.
The poppy symbolizes the sacrifices our veterans have made on our behalf. Our brothers and sisters have fought and bled and died to uphold Canadian values, even to this very day, as we welcome home the remains of Lieutenant Justin Boyes, who gave his life for the cause.
For his sake, for the sake of his family, and for the sake of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, I’ll wear my poppy with humility and pride. I’ll wear it as all Canadians do, and with heartfelt gratitude to each and every man and woman who has served, who serves now, and who will serve in the future.
Thank you.