On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville and Members of Council, we join with our community in solemn reflection this Remembrance Day.

Each year on November 11, Canadians come together to honor the courageous individuals in uniform who served and sacrificed in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, United Nations peacekeeping missions, and Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we celebrate the bravery of all who have risked their lives for our freedom.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the veterans who returned from service, carrying both visible and invisible scars, as well as to their families who bear the weight of these sacrifices daily. Their resilience and dedication to our nation will never be forgotten.

Earlier this week, the Municipality lowered its flags for Indigenous Veterans Day to honor the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis service members. For too long, their sacrifices have gone unrecognized by many Canadians, and today we pledge to uphold and celebrate their vital role in our shared history.

In North Grenville, we are fortunate to live in peace. However, many in our community have come to Canada seeking refuge from war, including those who have recently fled Ukraine. Let us stand with them, welcoming and supporting their journey toward a life free from conflict.

On November 11, at 11:00 a.m., Canadians will pause for one minute of silence to reflect on those who gave everything for the country we cherish. Here in North Grenville, we have laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Old Town Kemptville, and municipal flags will fly at half-mast in remembrance.

We invite all residents to join us in this moment of unity and gratitude, honoring the courage and sacrifice that allow us to enjoy a prosperous, free, and secure Canada.

Lest we forget.