October 30, 2010

Calgary’s new Mayor, Naheed Nenshi and Lee Richardson, MP at the kickoff of the Calgary Poppy Fund

The Calgary Poppy Fund / Veteran's Food Bank was created to assist needy veterans, their widows and dependents with medical, shelter, food and dental care, and to remind Calgarians of the sacrifices that our Veterans have made so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.  Among those in attendance at the day’s events were;  Alberta’s Lt. Governor, the Honourable Don Ethell, Calgary’s new Mayor, Naheed Nenshi, Colonel Pat Strogan, Mr. George Bittman, Chief Administrative Officer-Calgary Poppy Fund, MLA Art Johnston, Lee Richardson, MP for Calgary Centre, and 50 WW11 & Korean Vets. To donate to the fund visit: www.calgarypoppyfund.com.  


The following is a speech given by Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre at the launch of the Calgary Poppy Fund

Thank you very much for that warm welcome.
I’m pleased to be here today to pay tribute to and to recognize the commitment made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.

But before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge some important people who have joined us here today:
Our Veterans and their families, , Alberta’s Lt. Governor, the Honourable Don Ethell, Calgary’s new Mayor, Naheed Nenshi, Colonel Pat Strogan, Mr. George Bittman, Chief Administrative Officer-Calgary Poppy Fund and MLA Art Johnston.

This November 11th 92 years will have passed since, the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, on the eleventh hour, when silence descended on the battlefields – the Armistice treaty between Germany and the Allies, the culmination of the First World War.

The members of our Canadian military have given selflessly for our freedom; some even made the ultimate sacrifice. Through their achievements, their bravery and their courage, they have shaped the future of our country and their service is a point of national pride for us all. They have also shaped the history and the future of people throughout the world, ensuring them a better future.
Today we salute the creation of the Calgary Poppy Fund and Veterans Food Bank, which will help assist our Veterans in need, their widows and their dependents by providing medical assistance, shelter, food and dental care.
The Calgary Poppy Fund will also serve as a reminder to Calgarians of the sacrifices that Canadian Veterans have made so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.

The Poppy Fund will allow for Canadian citizens to give back to the soldiers who have fought to make Canada the great country it is today. I urge you all to give as generously as you are able to.

These days people are paying more and more attention to the poppy, it is not just a thing to do, putting it on is something we feel we must do, putting it on serves as a reminder to us all.

I’m grateful that Canadians recognize; that our kids know how proud we all are of the service the Veterans have done for our country. It is up to us to care about and for the families of our Armed Forces, whether they are home or abroad.

Today is an opportunity for all of us to recognize and honour the past and present sacrifices of the men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces. We say ‘thank you’ for all they have given and will continue to give up to fight for our country.
There can be no higher call than that of the duty to serves ones country and uphold its most treasured values in the face of evil. Our duty in return to those who answer that call is to provide the tools and support they need both to do their job, and to live a full and complete life upon completion of that job.

From the First and Second World Wars, to the Korean War, to the mission in Afghanistan and countless peacekeeping assignments, our Troops have always stood up for Canadian values – serving with courage, bravery, and dedication.

Thank you all for you efforts in organizing the Poppy Fund and today’s event, I would also like to thank all those who are out there every year handing out poppies to help support our veterans, and to everyone who comes out to the Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country to pay tribute to our Veterans, past, present and future.
Thank you.

We Remember