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This will be the first national memorial to properly honour all of the names of the women, men, military and civilians who laid down their lives for Canada in all of our wars and peacekeeping duties. |
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In Canada there is not a place where all of those who have made the supreme sacrifice receive equal and proper recognition by their country.
To visit the graves of family members or friends who died in service is not only cost prohibitive but in many cases impossible. The fallen are buried in 73 countries worldwide and many were lost at sea or have no known place of burial at all.
The Memorial Wall of Names will allow Canadian citizens and visitors the opportunity to comprehend the sacrifice that is made to protect Canada's rights and freedoms. Since 1945 the population of Canada has increase from 10 to 30 million. Many newcomers must be informed of the magnitude of sacrifice.
Now is the time to create this Memorial to ensure that these sacrifices are remembered for all time.
The Memorial Wall of Names will become an important part of our Canadian Heritage. |
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History |
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Before 1970, Canadian law required that those who died serving in our wars and Peacekeeping duties must be buried in the countries where they fell. While these remains can never be repatriated, their names and memories can be.
Over 105,000 of our fallen were left buried in foreign lands, mostly during the two world wars. They were buried in seventy-three countries, in over 5,800 war and church cemeteries.
They do not have graves in their homeland and so paying our respects is almost impossible for all Canadians.
The Memorial Wall idea occurred to a WW2 veteran who served in Northwest Europe with the 4th Armoured Division R.C.E.M.E. from Normandy to Germany. When the war ended he and many of his fellow Veterans were unable to visit the graves of their Fallen comrades because the cemeteries had not been established and bodies not reburied. So they left the countries and returned home without being able to pay respects and got on with finishing school, learning a trade, getting jobs and raising families.
Many years later he was able to return to visit the graves of Fallen comrades and in visiting many cemeteries he experienced how difficult it would be for next of kin to visit the graves of their loved ones. This must have been impossible for many and very distressing for spouses and parents.
More than four million from past generations have served in Canada's military forces. They served in all climes on five continents in many countries and on many waters.
The cenotaphs in towns and villages across Canada provide a place for services of Remembrance on November 11th. These do not provide a true perspective on the number who have given and will sacrifice their lives.
Nothing matches the emotional impact of visiting the large war cemeteries. This memorial will provide a similar impact for visitors.
Most would agree Names are important. Our society has many examples, such as sports halls of fame and walkways for entertainers. We must create this memorial where our Fallen's Names will live forever, in one location, in their homeland, in a very public place. We must cherish their Names.
Then all Canadians of all future generations can see the sacrifices made for our way of life, values and freedoms. The Memorial Wall of Names will also serve to educate all about our history and be an inspiration for all to appreciate Canada and be better citizens.
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Facts and Highlights |
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Benefits To Canada |
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Canada needs this memorial for all the benefits of education, heritage, unity and history. It will be a collective memory of the sacrifice made for our freedoms. |
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This memorial will visually demonstrate the numbers and the magnitude of losses as never before. Reminding us that freedom is not free. |
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This memorial will show the diversity of peoples who sacrifice for our values and freedoms. |
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Canada will be the first nation in the world to create such a memorial. |
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Students can be involved in positive education in many areas of participation and tours. |
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Countries that, in part, owe their freedom to our military may be involved. Their new generations will be informed and respectful toward Canada. |
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The memorial will inspire youth to do their best to become good citizens. |
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This memorial will educate new Canadians of the sacrifices made by past generations; 20 million new Canadians since the end of WW2. |
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Next of Kin |
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Next of kin of those who died before 1970 are not permitted to bring home their remains. In 2004, one of our Unknown was repatriated to Canada and buried in the New Tomb of Canada's Unknown Soldier. |
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All will be able to take photos or rubbings of cherished names from the Memorial Wall. |
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Rights And Justice |
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Our Fallen deserve this recognition and honouring in their country. |
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It is only since 1970 that we repatriate our Fallen with full honours and with respect for the next of kin. |
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For each of us to honour our promise "We Will Remember Them." Let us know their Names. |
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Recognition |
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There is no complete collection and recognition of the names of our Fallen in a suitable public place. |
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There are one hundred War Cemeteries of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and hundreds of burials in church graveyards. Over one thousand are buried beneath the waves of many seas. |
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About 25,000 of those buried overseas have "Known to God alone" on their grave markers. On the memorial they will receive proper recognition. |
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Every Name is not just a word - each represents a child, a brother, a sister, a parent, a son , a daughter- all whose lives were ended by the violence of war. |
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These 116,000 never had full proper burial services, never honoured or repatriated to their homes; never travelled the highway of heroes. |
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The Fallen |
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What better citizens has a country than those, who in perilous times volunteer to serve, anywhere they may be sent, accepting all challenges and dangers, so to defend our liberties and values. |
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These individuals are those that showed the greatest love for humanity. How young they were, many only youths, never with the chance to marry or be parents. |
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Love for country came early for many of those that served, the ages will prove this. Youth are responsible, long before they are adults. |
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The majority of Canadian citizens have not been able to visit the graves of their loved ones due to distance, cost and even impossible situations. This memorial may at last provide an acceptable substitute. It will show the same data as on the existing grave markers. It will be the place where all can visit and show their respect and love. |
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No greater love than when one lays down life for humanity. |
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OUR FALLEN, IN FOREIGN LANDS, TOTAL 104,087
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THERE ARE 16,586 BURIED IN CANADA
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THEY ARE BURIED IN OVER 5,800 CEMETERIES
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MAY CANADIANS NEVER FORGET OUR FALLEN
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