MP Lee Richardson makes remarks at citizenship ceremony at Calgary Military Museums Society

November 06, 2009

Thank you for that kind introduction. I am pleased to be at the Military Museums this morning to join you in this ceremony.

It is appropriate that this ceremony be connected here today at the beginning of Veterans’ Week – leading up to November 11, Remembrance Day, in Canada. Many here today are wearing poppies, a symbol of our remembrance and respect for the men and women who died defending our freedom. The remembrance of our armed forces is our heritage; it is a legacy handed down to us from those who sacrificed so much for our country, a legacy still carried on today by the brave Canadians serving in places such as Afghanistan.

Canada has a long, proud heritage built on a foundation of fundamental rights and responsibilities that bind us together and help us identify as Canadians. Though we come from various backgrounds, today you are standing up and declaring that you are Canadian. There is a reason you are choosing Canada, a reason you are choosing to join our proud heritage and our bright future.

Today is also an opportunity to reflect on our responsibilities; to give thanks for our rights and privileges; to celebrate our diversity and our commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect and to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.

Congratulations on becoming Canadian citizens and embracing our great nation.