Veterans’ Week Message from the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Commander and Brigade Sergeant Major

Even when we are apart, we remember together. As the fall training wraps-up and we inch closer to the holidays, we find ourselves in the time of the year where we will see many of our family members, our friends, our neighbours and Canadians wearing a red poppy – the symbol of Remembrance.

Every year on November 11th, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember all those who have served and continue to serve Canada.

We honour and remember the more than 2,300,00 Canadians who have served, the 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice and the 100,000 who currently serve Canada as active and reserve personnel.

As we approach Remembrance Day in the midst of a global pandemic, we wanted to remind our surrounding communities from across the Ottawa Valley and Pontiac, Québec, that we will be honouring a day of remembrance with them even if we are unable to gather at cenotaphs, schools, legions, and municipal offices.

Our gatherings may be somewhat smaller this year, but that does not mean that our pride in our soldiers is diminished. Just as age shall not weary the fallen, the pandemic shall not weary the gratitude we feel this Remembrance Day.

Just as our local communities have always supported their troops, whether we are training at Garrison Petawawa or in public spaces, getting ready to deploy, or taking a hard-earned rest; we at 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group want to take the time to extend our gratitude and support to you, our local communities. We would not be able to do what we do if it was not for your ongoing support.

Although we may not always have the opportunity to share our experiences with you, we remember the collective sacrifices you make, as a community, to support our troops as we continue to defend Canadians’ interests at home and abroad.

We often focus our attention on honouring the courage, commitment and sacrifices of all those who have served. Those brave souls who have died in service during a time that saw two World Wars, Korean War and most recently, Afghanistan as well as during training and times of peace.

We also honour those currently serving. It is important that we also acknowledge that behind every soldier, operator, aviator, and sailor is a robust support system composed of spouses, children, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbours – the makeup of our communities.

These communities’ commitment and sacrifices also need to be remembered. Let us take the time on November 11th, as we do every year, to honour and remember all the sacrifices big and small that we have endured as a proud Nation.

We will remember them. Nous nous souviendrons d’eux.

Col Eric Landry
Commander 2 CMBG

CWO Jeramie Leamon
Bde Sergeant Major