One hundred and one years ago today, the guns fell silent in Europe, marking the end of what many hoped would be the war to end all wars.
Although UBC was only a few years old, many of its students, faculty and staff heeded the call to serve their country in that conflict.
In the years since, UBC students, faculty, staff, alumni have continued to answer the call of duty, serving their country as peacekeepers, as soldiers fighting against tyranny and oppression, as first responders, and in other ways.
Representing the university in all its diversity, they gave of themselves to make the world a better place.
Many of them paid the ultimate sacrifice. Others returned wounded, whether physically or mentally.
Today, we honour them. We reflect on their valour and their sacrifice, and we reflect on our duty to them, to their well-being and to their re-integration into civilian life.
And we resolve to ensure that their efforts were not in vain, to do our best to prevent future conflicts, so future generations can live in peace, justice and harmony.
We owe so much to the veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country, preserving and protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.
Because we owe them so much, we are resolved to help them and support them.
UBC is committed to new initiatives that aim to make UBC one of Canada’s first “veteran-friendly” campuses by 2020. We will provide programs and services specially designed for veterans including:
- specialized mental health and counselling support
- priority student housing
- social and recreational opportunities
- professional development courses
- a Royal Canadian Legion Branch, the first new branch established in British Columbia in more than 25 years
Through these measures and others, we will begin to repay the enormous debt we owe our veterans, who have given so much to their country.
Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor