Today we mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of Canada's entrance into the Second World War. On September 10, 1939 His late Majesty, King George VI signed the proclamation declaring war on Nazi Germany.

Just over one million Canadians would serve in uniform over the course of the war, and 45,000 would lose their lives in the conflict. Canada was one of the first countries to rush to the defence of democracy and throughout the war we served as a lifeline of personnel, material and support to Britain and our allies.

Nova Scotia played an auspicious part in the conflict, especially in the longest battle of the war, the Battle of the Atlantic. More than 100,000 Nova Scotians would serve in the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force and Merchant Navy – our province had the second highest enlistment rate in Canada. Nova Scotian women on the home front and in uniform played a critical support role throughout the war, breaking through many barriers on the path to achieving greater equality in all aspects of Canadian life.

Those who served brought honour and credit to Canada on the international stage, truly earning Canada a place in the world. Let us remember those who served at home and overseas, the families they left behind and those who never returned to Canadian soil.

Brigadier-General The Hon. J.J. Grant, CMM, ONS, CD (Ret’d)
Lieutenant Governor