Mr. Speaker, as we approach Remembrance Day, I am mindful of the sacrifices of those who served our nation. We remember their courage. We honour their duty, and we thank them for our liberty.
I am ashamed that our government intends to restrict public expressions of faith in our military, or in plain terms, to ban prayer. It is cowardice to ask our sons and daughters to put themselves in harm's way but refuse them the right to express their faith in God. To deny those who provide our freedom the right to openly pray is an insult to those who never came home.
Monsignor Hickey of the North Shore Regiment would tell us that a dying man on a foreign shore only asks for one of two things: His mother or his God.
I urge Canadians to wear a poppy, visit a cenotaph, attend a ceremony and say a prayer. I urge Canadians to teach their children to pray and take time to explain to a new Canadian the importance of this sacred day. Please pray for those who served, for those who continue to serve and for our nation itself.
Lest we forget.