“Time marches on, as do our soldiers. But one thing will not change.
“We will remember them.”
Though Wild Rose MP Blake Richards commended the efforts of Canadians to not forget those who serve to protect our country this Remembrance Day, he cautioned that falling Royal Canadian Legion memberships could bring the organization to an end.
“For the Legion as we know it to survive,” Richards said in his weekly report, “those who have never fired a shot in battle will have to become its chief supporters. I worry that shrinking membership will not allow the Legion to serve the veterans of today’s conflicts in the same manner as their predecessors.”
Richards, who is an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, said many of the organizations that were created by Canada’s veterans are struggling to adjust to the ‘changing of the guard.’
He shined a light on those who fought in the First and Second World Wars, most of whom have passed.
“Our country has benefitted greatly from our veterans’ service and the wisdom of their experience,” said Richards. “We mourn their passing, but I’m not sure we fully understand what the loss of their leadership will mean for Canada in the long run.”
Despite his concern, the Wild Rose MP believes many throughout the country have done what they can to recognize the sacrifices of those in our military.
“Over the years, I believe our government, our schools, our media and our society have done a superb job in reminding us who we honour on Remembrance Day,” Richards said, “and why it is important that we remember them.”
With Canada’s role in Afghanistan coming to an end, Richards hopes those who have been ‘mercifully spared the physical and mental scars of battle’ will ensure the Legion continues to serve soldiers returning from war and that we will always remember them.
