Mary Wilson: Lest we forget

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Thousands of courageous New Brunswickers have served in or supported Canada’s military efforts since our province was officially established in 1784. Their sacrifices were significant, heroic, and long-lasting.

Our present and future generations must never forget the lessons of the past or the continued sacrifices of today, especially given the uncertainty overseas.

Serving as the minister responsible for Military Affairs and the MLA of Oromocto-Lincoln-Fredericton has allowed me the privilege to hear first-hand the stories and experiences of our province’s military members and those who are working hard to preserve New Brunswick’s rich military history.

This understanding has helped me better appreciate what it means to be a proud New Brunswicker and my gratitude for those who fought to protect the freedoms we readily enjoy today.

Earlier this week, I joined the federal minister to reopen the Veteran’s Affairs office in Oromocto. The office is an essential resource for our community, and its reopening has been a priority for our veterans and their families. The work of our government in having the office reopened reflects the value we place on our veterans and their well-being.

Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to meet many New Brunswick veterans and serving members who have worked diligently to commemorate our province’s contribution to Canada’s military efforts through memorial parks, heritage projects and history museums.

The Veteran’s Park in Memramcook is a remarkable remembrance of the region’s fallen military members and an excellent source of historical military information. I am proud to have met several passionate and dedicated veterans who have designed this project so the memory of those who gave their lives fighting for our freedoms will never be forgotten.

Recently, I attended the grand opening of the Royal New Brunswick Regiment Gallery located at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown and the opening of the Carleton County Military Museum in Jacksontown. The collections on display at these locations provide an excellent illustration of New Brunswick’s military history and heritage; both are open to the public. I commend all those involved for the dedication and effort you have given to these important projects.

Military memorials are fundamental to the preservation of our military records, memorabilia and stories. They help us foster an appreciation of New Brunswick’s heritage and history to help us stay connected to our roots, learn from our past and build strong foundations for the future.

I am incredibly proud and grateful to those who have brought our military history to life so that, for generations to come, we will remember.

During this period of remembrance, I urge all New Brunswickers to visit one of the many military memorials, cenotaphs or take part in your community’s Remembrance Day ceremony.

As we gather to honour the memory of those who have served and fallen, we must also recognize the modern-day conflicts in other parts of the world. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our military members and first responders who put their lives at risk so that we can continue to have the rights and freedoms we readily enjoy today.

And we must stand in support of the families who have lost loved ones or care for those who have returned with injuries, both visible and invisible. They, too, have sacrificed much.

Thank you to all past, present and future service members for your courageous and selfless dedication to our country. You can take pride in knowing that your efforts continue to ensure that our children can grow up in the safe, peaceful and independent country we live in today.

Mary Wilson is Minister of Service New Brunswick and minister responsible for Military Affairs