One of the pleasures I had this summer was speaking at various centennial celebrations which honored Saskatchewan’s veterans.

These ceremonies always brought back the following question to me: What could I do, (not just as an MP, but as a citizen) to recognize and remember in a substantial way those Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice? After all, one can never say thank you enough to a person who gave his or her life for you.

The only answer I keep coming back to is this: In order to value the gift of freedom which our servicemen and women purchased at such a dear cost is to honour their gift by making my community, my province and my country a place worthy of their sacrifice.

Some years ago, the Government of Saskatchewan instituted a unique program to honour our fallen soldiers, sailors and aviators. Various geographical features in the north of the province (lakes, islands, eskers, etc.) were named for servicemen and women who died for the freedom we all enjoy. This was a tangible and long-lasting tribute to these brave Canadians.

Each of us can make our own personal tribute by taking a moment to acknowledge and thank the veterans that we know in each of our own communities.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament. I welcome your feedback. Write or call my offices.