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September 11, 2012 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the 11th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and the second annual National Day of Service:
“September 11, 2001, was a day that shocked the world. More than a decade later, the horrific images from that terrible morning continue to evoke anger and heartache.
“As we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people – including 24 Canadians – who were killed, and mourn with the countless others who lost loved ones, we also honour the incredible acts of courage and sacrifice of those who responded to the calls for help of those in need. From the police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel who risked or gave their lives to help others, to the small community in Gander, Newfoundland, which welcomed thousands of diverted air passengers into their homes, Canadians and Americans alike demonstrated unwavering resolve and compassion in the face of adversity.
“While the grotesque events of 9/11 remind us that we are not impervious to the threat of terrorism and that we must remain vigilant, they also remind us of the power and resilience of the human spirit and of the feats that we can accomplish together.
“This is why our Government last year declared September 11 as a National Day of Service – a day for Canadians to reflect upon the past and to honour all of our country’s heroes, including first responders and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who give so much of themselves for their fellow citizens.
“On this occasion, it is my hope that all Canadians will be inspired to once again show their friends, family and neighbours, the same warmth and compassion to which we were witness on this tragic day 11 years ago.” |
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August 18, 2012 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dieppe:
“Tomorrow, we remember one of the darkest chapters in the Second World War – the Dieppe Raid.
“A pivotal moment in the Second World War, the Dieppe Raid occurred at a time when virtually all of Europe was under German occupation. The Raid offered important lessons that would assist Allies during the D-Day invasion two years later, saving countless lives.
“The raid on Dieppe was a devastating moment in the history of the Canadian Armed Forces. Of the nearly 5,000 brave Canadians who participated, less than half returned, many of whom were wounded. More than 1,900 of our finest were taken as prisoners of war and 913 made the ultimate sacrifice.
“As we mark this anniversary, we say thanks to the thousands of selfless Canadians who fought for our country on this solemn occasion. We also thank current members of the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to serve with great pride and distinction, upholding our most cherished values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world.
“A series of commemorative ceremonies, including those at Canada Memorial Square, and the Pourville Memorial in France, the National War Memorial in Ottawa and in various communities across the country, will mark this important event in Canadian military history.
“Lest we forget.” |
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National Peacekeepers’ Day |
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August 9, 2012 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark National Peacekeepers’ Day:
“Today, we pay tribute to all Canadian peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to those who continue to work tirelessly to defend our interests while promoting the democratic values that we, as Canadians, hold dear. National Peacekeepers Day commemorates the tragic day in 1974 when nine Canadian soldiers were killed, when their plane was shot down in the Middle East. Since that time, other Canadians have also made the ultimate sacrifice on important peacekeeping and military missions around the world, most recently in Afghanistan.
“Whether they are working with our allies, providing humanitarian assistance, or helping to restore peace and security in troubled countries, Canada’s serving personnel have played essential and pivotal roles defending our national interests. These men and women represent a fundamental part of our national identity.
“Canada has long been at the forefront of international security missions, and we have a reputation internationally of being active in support of peace. Our military has contributed many years to both United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization operations, and Canadian police and civilians are also increasingly participating in both conflict and post-conflict situations.
"On this National Peacekeepers’ Day, let us remember and honour the men and women who carry on Canada’s long and proud tradition of peacekeeping, and their efforts to promote peace, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world." |
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Canada's National Ukrainian Festival |
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August 3, 2012 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the beginning of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba, from August 3 to 5, 2012:
“The annual Ukrainian festival is a time for us to celebrate Canada’s proud Ukrainian heritage and to recognize the important contributions that Ukrainian-Canadians – now more than 1.2 million strong – have made and continue to make to our great country.
“Last year, we commemorated 120 years of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, and this year we mark the centenary of the Plast Ukrainian Scouting organization. The long history of contributions made by the Ukrainian Canadian community to the building of our country is worthy of celebration. The Ukrainian Canadian community cherish the values our country holds most dear, such as democracy and the rule of law. Our Government has been working to ensure that these values are promoted throughout the world, including Ukraine.
“The Festival is also a time for us to recognize the relationship between Canada and Ukraine. Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. More recently, our Government sponsored more than 300 election observers to monitor voting during the 2010 presidential elections.
“On this special day, I encourage all Canadians to share in our country’s rich Ukrainian cultural heritage, and I extend my best wishes to the organizers and participants of this year’s festivities.” |
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