Events

Canadian Armed Forces Day honours our military personnel and their sacrifices

Marked on the first Sunday of every June, Canadian Armed Forces Day celebrates the heroic contributions of Canadian soldiers: past and present.

Celebrated this year on June 4, Canadian Armed Forces Day will honour the brave men and women, and their sacrifices, that have contributed greatly to 150 years of confederation.

“For nearly seven years, I have had the honour of serving as commander-in-chief of Canada. While in this role, I have been privileged to meet with many serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and veterans. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for our military personnel and for their families, who are working to build the smarter, more caring nation and world to which we aspire. On the occasion of Canadian Armed Forces Day, I join with all Canadians in expressing my sincere gratitude to our men and women in uniform for their service,” said His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, in a statement.

The Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, also released a statement in recognition of Canadian Armed Forces Day.

“Each and every day, the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces – and their families – display their talent, dedication, perseverance and sacrifice – all in service to Canada and their fellow Canadians.

“The story of our 150 years as a nation would not be complete without the roles played by our brave soldiers, sailors and air personnel throughout the years, as well as the strength and courage of the families and loved ones who stand by their side. They have built a proud legacy which they build upon every day.

“Our forces currently serve on operations and missions on nearly every continent to help bring peace and security to a world so in need of both. They serve their fellow Canadians at home, safeguarding our skies and keeping Canadians safe whenever and wherever natural disasters strike,” stated Minister Sajjan.

There are currently 65,000 Regular Force and 21,000 Reserve Force member serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. There are currently 1,600 CAF members currently serving abroad and 1,200 serving on operations at home.

“Canadian Armed Forces members are our friends, our neighbors, and our family members. They are Canadians. They are us. To those in the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to build and defend our great nation, on behalf of all Canadians, thank you. We appreciate all you do, and we salute you,” said Sajjan.

A number of bases and organizations are hosting events over the coming weeks to mark Canadian Armed Forces Day.

CFB North Bay is hosting Armed Forces Day on Friday June 16 and a Lead up to Canada 150 Twilight Air Demo on Saturday June 17. CFB North Bay’s events will include a CAF SkyHakws demonstration, musical entertainment and more.

Additionally, Commissionaires, the largest private employer of veterans in Canada, is partnering with Golf Canada to host Canadian Armed Forces Day on Saturday July 29 as part of the RBC Canadian Open. Current and former CAF members are eligible for a “military pass” that will provide access to the tournament ground and venues.

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Mishall Rehman

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Mishall is a freelance journalist pursuing her passion for writing in her new homeland Canada. She currently lives in Trenton, ON with her husband.

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