More than 500 CAF Members and the public attended Remembrance Day ceremonies at CFB Shilo on Nov. 11. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
More than 500 CFB Shilo CAF members and public participants stood shoulder to shoulder in remembrance of those who died and served in Canada’s military on Nov. 11.
Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk addressed the crowd and said it was a privilege for him to stand before them on a day of reflection and reverence.
“We gather not merely to mark a date but to honour those who have given their all for Canada. As we reflect on their service and dedication, we are reminded of the void their absence leaves in our nation and within our own hearts.”
LCol Cronk encouraged everyone to keep alive the memories of those who had lost their lives in service by speaking their names aloud.
“I ask you all to help keep these memories alive—not just through silent reflection, but by speaking their names. To say their names is to honour their memory, to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten, and to remind ourselves that their lives were given nobly in service to us all. Each name holds a story of courage, commitment, and love for country. Saying their names aloud is an act of reverence, a reminder that they lived, that they mattered, and that their spirits remain with us. As we remember, we stand together—not just as individuals, but as a united community committed to honouring those who sacrificed all for Canada.”
“Today is a day to pause and hold close the memory of those we have lost. Their sacrifice is felt not only in military communities but across our entire nation, as we all carry the weight of their courage and their absence.”
“For those of us who have served alongside someone lost, the bond shared is like family, forged through shared duty, sacrifice, and moments of challenge. The loss of a brother or sister in arms is a loss that resonates long after the initial shock fades, leaving an empty space in both our hearts and our ranks.”
LCol Cronk said he is especially drawn to a cherished memory of one soldier who left an enduring mark on his life — his friend and colleague, Corporal Brent Poland of Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
“Corporal Poland’s story is a testament to the dedication and resilience found in all those who wear our nation’s uniform. Brent and I first met in officer training in early 2002, bonding through second-language training and our Common Army Phase in Gagetown. As we followed different paths—me into Armour and him into Infantry—we saw each other less often, but every chance to reconnect was a privilege. Brent, known to us as “Old Man Poland,” was a few years older and carried a certain salty, cantankerous charm—a gruffness that masked his deep sense of duty and unwavering commitment.
When Brent faced the unexpected turn of stepping back from his commission, he didn’t let it deter him. Instead, driven by his profound sense of duty, he relinquished his commission and joined the ranks of 2 RCR. His commitment to being a soldier never wavered. As things go in the Army, we lost touch for a time, but when workup training for TF 1-07 Afghanistan began, our paths crossed again. Brent was as dedicated as ever, deeply committed to the work and to the soldiers around him. He never took the easy way out; he was determined to serve.
“The next time I saw Brent was at Kandahar Airfield. We met on the boardwalk, grabbed a coffee, and talked. He had already faced three challenging months in-country, yet his energy and determination were unshaken. He loved being a soldier, embraced every challenge, and took pride in the purpose of his mission. We said our goodbyes, not knowing it would be for the last time. Looking back, that moment has stayed with me—a reminder of how precious each farewell can be in the life we lead. A few weeks later, Brent and five others were killed in action when their armoured vehicle struck a devastating Improvised Explosive Device.
“Brent’s passing is a reminder of the sacrifice every soldier makes and the profound bonds we all share—bonds that endure beyond death. In the quiet moments, we remember their laughter, determination, and the unwavering commitment they brought to their role. We think of the small, everyday moments that defined their character—their resilience in adversity, how they lifted others, and the sacrifices they made without hesitation. Each soldier brings a piece of themselves into the uniform, a unique presence that can never be replaced.
“Their loss reminds us of the stark realities of service, the dangers faced, and the courage required. It is a reminder of why we serve and why we must carry their memory forward. In honouring their sacrifice, we find strength, and in remembering their spirit, we are reminded to live and serve in a way that would make them proud.
“Each year, we wear our poppies as a mark of respect, carrying not only the memories of individuals like Brent but the legacy of countless others who answered the call to serve throughout our nation’s great history. Each red petal represents a life—a life of courage, love for country, and duty. For those of us in uniform, that weight is felt deeply. It reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy have come at a great cost and that each life given is a part of our shared history and our shared sorrow.
“As we reflect on these stories and symbols, let us together observe a moment of silence—a silence not empty but filled with gratitude and resolve. It is filled with gratitude, respect, and a promise: that we will never forget the sacrifices of those who served, especially those from places like CFB Shilo, whose courage and dedication will live on in our hearts.
“Together, we keep their memories alive—not just in silence, but in the names we speak, the stories we share, and the lives we lead.
In closing, I ask you all to help keep these memories alive—not just through silent reflection but by speaking their names. To say their names is to honour their memory, to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten, and to remind ourselves that their lives were given nobly in service to us all. Each name holds a story of courage, commitment, and love for country. Saying their names aloud is an act of reverence, a reminder that they lived, that they mattered, and that their spirits remain with us. As we remember, we stand together—not just as individuals but as a united community committed to honouring those who sacrificed all for Canada.
We Will Remember Them.
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