Hon. Marty Deacon: Honourable senators, we have much on the go. Today, as we begin to see the lights, the trees and the magic of the holiday season, we celebrate National Child Day and we push hard over the next very busy four weeks, I would first like to take one more opportunity to remember.

On November 4, 2022, here in the chamber, a week of remembrance began with a wonderful ceremony. The Speaker hosts and honours so many veterans in a special ceremony, and it is an honour that we are invited and are able to attend. How special it is that every senator has the privilege of sending a wreath to their community of choice. Like all of you, I give this careful thought each and every year.

Every year we learn more from the stories of Canadians — some stories are over a hundred years old; some stories are very recent. Last week, Mr. Peter Mansbridge — a name that may be very familiar to you — on his podcast “The Bridge,” slowed his usual work down and highlighted different stories throughout the week. Perhaps the most profound episode was on November 10, 2022, entitled, “Your Turn On Remembering,” which turned the focus to stories written and submitted by Canadians.

This year I learned about 20 Royal Canadian Air Force pilots from Saskatchewan in 1946, following World War II. I’m sure my Saskatchewan senator colleagues know this tragic story well.

The community was Estevan, Saskatchewan. Imagine: The war is over. You are home. Canada has leased planes from the United States, and now it is time to return them. Each plane was returned. The last plane, a C-47 cargo plane, was returned to North Dakota. Twenty pilots and one ground crew member were on their flight back home and crashed near the Estevan airport. They survived the war, trained pilots and were tragically killed shortly after the war. There is a beautiful memorial to remind us all of these brave men who died doing their work.

This year, Remembrance Day found me in the United States. I wanted to learn a little more about their veteran community, so I visited with some young men and women who have returned home from tours in the last five years or so. I learned about a not-for-profit program called Home Base. It provides programs to veterans and their families at no cost to treat PTSD, traumatic brain injury, anxiety and depression, while addressing wellness and social isolation. It reminded me of the volunteer services we have here in Canada and the hard work they do assisting those who return home, such as the Veterans Transition Network, Wounded Warriors Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion. We thank them for all they do for our returning soldiers.

Thank you. Meegwetch.