"In that moment, a nation of just some 11 million people rose up yet again to defend the right of all people to live in peace and freedom," said Laurie Hawn, member of parliament for Edmonton Centre, at a ceremony at the Brigadier James Curry Jefferson Armoury on Wednesday.
Starting Thursday, all of the estimated 80,000 living Canadian WWII veterans are eligible to receive a limited-edition commemorative lapel pin -- modelled off of the Victory Nickel minted between 1943 and 1945 near the end of WWII -- and a personalized certificate of recognition signed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as a symbol their nation's gratitude.
"Many, many times when you were being attacked, machine gun fire flying, you really think how could a mosquito fly through that and get through alive. And here I am, I lived," said Maurice White, a veteran who served with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and saw action in Italy, Belgium, Germany and Holland in WWII.
Just 17 years old when he signed up to fight -- willing to lie about his age to his recruitment officer to serve his country -- White's patriotic spirit hasn't faded, and while he still can't believe he made it out alive, he wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again.
"We didn't have a choice. We had to go to war," said White. "We as a nation had to go to war against Hitler, otherwise, if we hadn't, we wouldn't be standing here talking. At least, not in English."
White was one of over a million Canadians and Newfoundlanders joined the war effort, 45,000 of whom would pay the ultimate price to secure a free and peaceful future for their fellow countrymen.
This recent honour -- part of a series of ceremonies recognizing the contribution of Canadians serving in both World Wars -- serves as a reminder of the respect Canadians hold for their veterans and the continued unwillingness to forget their sacrifices.
"It's important that they know how much we care, how much we respect what they've done, just as it's important for younger generations to learn and remember," said Hawn.
Edmonton's ceremony was held in conjunction with similar ceremonies across Canada as part of Canada's World Wars Commemoration period, launched last month to mark the centennial of WWI where the Government of Canada will host events and support initiatives that [pay homage to Canadian contributions in both World Wars until 2020.
All those who served during the Second World War -- even if just for one day -- are eligible for this latest honour. Request forms for the custom lapel pin and certificate are available through Veterans Affairs Canada at veterans.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-522-2122.