Remembrance Day Message From IVP Tom Reid

Greetings:

November 11th is a time to reflect and remember the many brave women and men who sacrificed years of their lives, and for some, who paid the ultimate sacrifice to insure our safety, peace, and freedom in the greatest nation in the world, Canada. Without their total selfless commitment we may not have the right to enjoy the benefits that we take for granted as Trade Unionists.

For many of us the horrors of war are something we only have read about, seen through the lens of a camera or heard about from a family member, a friend of a friend or in a Legion Hall. Most of us have been spared the reality of the brutal conflict but have reaped the many benefits of the bravest of the brave women and men who have given their lives, limbs and sometimes sanity to ensure our traditions, and a future in Canada they believed in.

Many IBEW members, their families and friends sacrificed and fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today. One of the many reasons the IBEW is proud to support Helmets to Hardhats Canada, is to transition Canada’s veterans into a second career in the trades.

Each year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to observe a moment of silence and mark the sacrifice of so many.

Sisters and Brothers, we must remember and involve ourselves on Remembrance Day, November 11th, so that the courage and selflessness of these women and men is not lost to future generations. We remember because through their sacrifices we have the right to participate and reap the benefits of our Union.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, many in person events have been canceled or have moved to virtual events.  If you do attend an in person event, please remember to wear a mask and abide by physical distancing regulations as put in place by public health.  I encourage our Local Unions, officers and members to take part in Remembrance Day events, whether they are in person or virtual, to pay tribute to all of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

In Solidarity and Remembrance,
IVP Tom Reid