Salvation Army Remembers and Honours Veterans and Soldiers

Remembrance Day is upon us and, with two recent tragic deaths, Canadians are even more aware of the sacrifices our military men and women are called upon to make to secure our peace and freedom.

Today, The Salvation Army, along with hundreds of Canadians will honour and remember those who have served, and continue to serve, Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.

At the National War Memorial in Ottawa, and at cenotaphs and war memorials across the country, Salvation Army members and leaders will lay wreaths in remembrance of the sacrifices Canadians made to protect our security and freedom.

At the Battlefront and Beyond

During both world wars and throughout the Cold War, The Salvation Army provided Canadian military personnel overseas and in Canada with comforts such as hot drinks and snacks and established leave centres for rest and recreation. In fact, during the First World War, The Salvation Army was the first civilian body to offer its services to the Canadian Government.

In Canada, The Salvation Army’s most visible wartime effort was assisting repatriated soldiers. In 1918 a nation-wide appeal raised enough money to open a number of hostels across Canada to assist returning soldiers and the often disorienting days after their discharge.

A Touch of Home

Over the years The Salvation Army has sent small gifts of comfort such as socks and Christmas gifts and letters, cards and emails have been written to Canadian Forces personnel overseas and at home.

In addition, Canada’s only full-time Salvation Army military chaplain, Major Patrick Lublink, serves as Senior Canadian Chaplain for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe.

With no end in sight to armed conflicts, The Salvation Army will continue to bring hope and pray for peace for a broken world.