Executive Council May 8, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Provincial Government Commemorates National Day of Honour

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize National Day of Honour, which takes place tomorrow.

On March 18, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that, in recognition and commemoration of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan, May 9, 2014 has been declared “National Day of Honour” across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to acknowledge this important day and recognize the official end of Canada's mission in Afghanistan, which ended in March. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the brave women and men who fought in the Afghanistan mission.

While some soldiers go to war never to return, leaving families at home to mourn, many others return from battle badly broken in body, mind and spirit.

I encourage all municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in any local recognition happening in their communities this Friday, May 9. Consider taking part in a ceremony at a local war memorial or an event being organized by a local service organization in your community to show appreciation to our military.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to highlight and acknowledge the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil, which was constructed by Canada’s troops in Kandahar and which is now here in Canada. This monument commemorates the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of soldiers during the mission in Afghanistan and will be in Newfoundland and Labrador from October 22 to 26 in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable members of the House to rise and bow their heads for a moment of silence to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of our soldiers and their families during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.

Thank you.

2014 05 08                                               1:50 p.m.