MEDIA RELEASE - Remembrance Week and Indigenous Veterans Day (2024).pdf
For Immediate Release – Monday, November 04, 2024
Kirkland Lake, ON
Remembrance Week is a time for Canadians to reflect and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all who served, and those who continue to serve our country during times of war, military conflict, and peace.
“Remembrance Week is a time for reflection on those who have made and continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and to honour those who have fought and continue to fight for peace.” said Mayor Wight. “It is our duty to remember their heroic sacrifice and to show our gratitude.”
Since the mid-1990s, Indigenous Veterans Day has also been observed on November 8th as a time to honour the bravery, contributions, and sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who served our country in times of war.
It is estimated that over 12,000 Indigenous men and women served during the two world wars, even though at the time they were not even considered Canadian citizens. Their generous spirit went beyond their volunteering to serve, while some enlisted in the military, First Nation communities across Canada also donated money, food, and materials, as well as provided land for airports and defence installations. Despite their loyal service to Canada, Indigenous veterans who returned home to Canada from service were denied benefits, lost their Indian Status, and even had land taken away from them. In fact, it wasn’t until 1995 that Indigenous veterans were even allowed to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial to honour the fallen.
“On this day we are reminded of the great debt of gratitude that we owe to our Indigenous Veterans and their families,” said Mayor Wight. “I invite all Kirkland Lakers to take a moment to recognize the service, and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans.”
At the November 5 Regular Council Meeting, Mayor Stacy Wight will make an official proclamation declaring November 5th to 11th as 'Remembrance Week', and November 8th as 'Indigenous Veterans Day' in Kirkland Lake.
Commencing Tuesday, November 5th through Monday, November 11th, the Town will raise the Poppy Flag at Town Hall, Canadian Flags at all Town-managed facilities will be positioned at half mast, and red commemorative lighting will be displayed at both Gateway signs and the Miners Memorial in honour of all who sacrificed for our community and our country.
“I encourage all Kirkland Lakers to wear their poppies with pride, and to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony,” said Mayor Wight. “When we wear our poppies each November, not only is it a symbol of our commitment to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but it is also an important way to help support our veterans today.”
Members of Council will be attending the processional march and the wreath laying service held at Kirkland Lake’s Cenotaph located in the Wright-Hargreaves Mine Park. All Town of Kirkland Lake employees who are on duty will be participating in the 2-minute tribute and observing 2 minutes of silence on November 11th commencing at 11:00 am in participation of the “Wave of Silence” honouring the men and women who went to war during the 20th and now 21st century.
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