Hon. Marty Deacon: Honourable senators, I rise to speak about the twenty-fourth annual memorial service for parliamentarians who passed away over the last sitting year. Last Monday morning, 29 parliamentarians were honoured, and I was honoured to learn of this memorial service and attend after three years of no in-person memorial.

It was amazing to read and listen to the contributions of every one of those 29 individuals. Within an hour, their lives were shared and their families were acknowledged for the important part each parliamentarian played as they travelled to Ottawa and spent time away from home — the cost of serving Canadians in public service.

For me, there were a few special moments. First, our new Speaker delivered a wonderful, warm message for and on behalf of families. The Ottawa Children’s Choir performed four beautiful pieces, with their last piece being the singing of the royal anthem, “God Save The King.” It made me reflect on the new leadership of the monarchy, and it was sung so wonderfully. The Central Band of the Canadian Forces brought six of their fine string musicians, and they were joined by their piper for a few pieces. They also performed from the balcony alongside the Ottawa Children’s Choir.

Equally remarkable was the opportunity just to observe family and friends. With chairs lined up in the middle of the Senate and our Senate seats absolutely full, it was clear that most, if not all, had never been in this Red Chamber. They were taken by the decor, the traditions and the history. The Usher of the Black Rod, our pages and our staff were all there to ensure every protocol was followed, and this memorial went on as a top-notch event. I was reminded that yes, this is June. While we run about to do our work in the Senate, and while we embark on this silly season, our staff continues with so many other events — not just us. Today, I thank all of you who put this very special event together.

Following the memorial, a reception was held in the senators’ lounge. Again, there were many questions and many opportunities to meet families and learn more about their lost loved ones. It was not lost on me that one day everyone sitting here in the Senate will pass through this life as these 29 parliamentarians have. It is a very special moment at the end of the service when each name is called and the family members stand — one that I will never forget.

To finish, I would like to share words spoken by the daughter of MP John Mercer Reid that closed this memorial, originally spoken by Lord Minto, Canada’s eighth Governor General:

Canadian men and women have made history and are still making history every day, but the present generation have more time than of the old to write and to read it. I hope they will do this over and over again. They will find something in it to be proud of and now the time has come when they can afford to embellish the inheritance of their cities, to help that of which is struggling to the surface in art and literature, cherishing I hope all that is so characteristically Canadian and preserving it from levelling influences of a struggling world.

Thank you, meegwetch.