Thank You

They don't seek glory or honour. Because that is already theirs.
They seek only Remembrance -- for the comrades they left behind.
Those men and women they vowed never to forget.
Sixty-five years later, time has become their new enemy.
It has taken its toll on their once-young bodies.
Their step is no longer as brisk as it once was.
Their salute is not quite as sharp.
Their knees now resist the bend.
But still, they continue to march in formation.
To march on the colours.
To lay wreaths.
And to honour their fallen comrades.
I am truly humbled to be in your presence. To be witness to your dignity and courage.
You have known the great price of freedom, and you have been willing to pay it.
You have known the terrible struggles of nation building, and you have made Canada strong and proud and free.
You have felt sacrifice, and you have made Canada the best country in the world.
We can never repay you. We can only offer two simple words: 'Thank you.'
Lest we forget.
- Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson honouring Canada's D-Day veterans