November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day
First Notions blog, by Jerry Adams:
General Info (taken from Government of Canada):
On Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour the Indigenous people who have served or are serving with the Canadian Armed Forces. Many thousands of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have served at home and overseas in global wars and multinational peacekeeping missions.
Despite their remarkable contributions, many Indigenous veterans were treated poorly on their return home. They were discriminated against, denied the right to vote, and refused benefits available to other veterans until well after the Korean War. Status soldiers were sometimes forced or expected to become enfranchised (losing legal status under the Indian Act) in order to enlist, or they lost their status automatically due to being absent from their reserves for extended periods.
On Indigenous Veterans Day, we recognize the courage and contributions of all those who served over the years and the sacrifices of their loved ones. We remember those who never returned home. Lest we forget.
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Prayer template:
God of Peace and Justice,
Today we honour First Nations, Métis, and Inuit veterans who have served this country in times of war, conflict, and peace.
We remember those who gave their lives, those who came home wounded in body or spirit, those who continue to live with the cost of conflict, and those who have worked for peace - even when their service was not met with respect, justice, or equality.
We honour their courage and their sacrifice, we ask you to guide us in the way of truth and reconciliation, and we commit ourselves to building a world where all people may live in peace.
Amen.