3 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND A MESSAGE FROM PREMIER DOUGFORD On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I extend my warmest greetings to everyone reading the fifth edition of the Military Service Recognition book. This book plays a vital role in recognizing and celebrating Ontarians who have either served or are still serving in our Canadian Armed Forces, the Commonwealth or Allied Forces. I would like to thank The Ontario Command and The Royal Canadian Legion for your continued work in remembering, representing and serving the needs of both veterans and those in service now. As a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Coronation Branch 286, I know first-hand the important role that local legions play in our communities and that is why our Government has committed to introducing legislation that ensures that all Ontario RCL branches pay no municipal property tax. Additionally, I am proud of our Government’s commitment to building the first provincial public memorial in Ontario to honour Canadian veterans of the Afghanistan war. As a province and as a country, we must honour the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan, including the 159 who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Supporting our veterans, serving military members and their families should unite all Canadians and I will always defend the importance of respecting and honouring our men and women in uniform. The stories of bravery and sacrifice found within this book help us remember those who sacrificed so much to uphold the freedoms we enjoy today. We must continue to honour those who have served, and continue to serve, our country and defend the values of our society through their sacrifice. I am honoured to add my voice to this important piece of recognition and remembrance. Doug Ford Premier
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