Each year on this day, Canadians are reminded of significant anniversaries and milestones in our history, and this year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Raid on Dieppe. On August 19,1942, some 5000 Canadians landed in Northern France, as the main force in an attempt to gain a foothold against the Nazi occupation. They endured a horrific battle that resulted in over 4200 dead or injured. It is essential that we never lose sight of events like Dieppe, or forget the extraordinary service offered by all of our men and women in uniform through the decades, however difficult the harsh realities of war may be to contemplate.
For generations, Canadians in uniform have bravely stepped forward to serve so that we, and people around the world, could know the blessings of peace, freedom, human rights and the rule of law. We can all show our gratitude to those who served by committing to make the most of the gifts they fought for, through our own thoughtful citizenship. It remains our collective duty to foster peace and to stand together against hatred and intolerance. Let us never forget those who sacrificed everything so that we could move forward to build a more peaceful world and let us never abandon the principles they died for.
As His Majesty the King’s representative in Alberta, I offer my most heartfelt gratitude to all of our Canadians in uniform for their tireless service. To those among us who are grieving loved ones, may you find comfort in knowing that their proud legacies will continue to live on in the spirit of who we are as Canadians.
Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc. LLD (hon)
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
November 11, 2022