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From YouTube: Black Ribbon Day Ceremony 2023
Description
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
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B
I'd
also
like
to
recognize
just
a
few
folks
who
have
joined
us
today.
I
see
there
are
numerous
Ministers
of
the
government
of
Alberta,
including,
but
not
limited
to
The
Honorable
government
house
leader,
remember,
scowl,
Minister
fur
Minister,
LaGrange,
Minister,
Wilson
and
apologies
to
others
who
I
may
have
missed.
I
do
see
a
number
of
members
of
the
Assembly
of
both
government
and
opposition.
It's
a
pleasure
to
have
you
here
with
us
today.
I
also
see
The
Honorable,
the
my
apologies,
the
Ombudsman
for
public
interest
and
commissioner
Mr
Kevin
burzinski.
B
B
B
Today,
Alberta
is
home
to
over
600
000
people
of
Eastern,
European
ancestry
and
contributions
from
Eastern
European
communities
have
been
essential
to
building
our
Province
and
assisting
in
what
it
is
today
from
excellence
in
agriculture
to
colorful,
Artistic
Endeavors.
They
continue
to
model
a
unique
and
unparalleled
work
ethic
and
an
unmatched
living
with
joy.
B
My
Hope
is
that
we
all
resolve
to
look
upon
the
horrific
events
of
the
past
and
renew
our
resolutions
to
recognize
the
importance
of
Human,
Rights,
kindness
and
decency
days.
Like
today
rekindle
discussions
about
the
importance
of
our
human
lives
and
importantly,
our
freedoms,
Alberta,
has
been
built
by
people
of
all
different
backgrounds,
a
fact
in
which
we
can
all
rejoice,
and
we
are
all
reminded
to
take
efforts
to
uphold
our
democracy
by
respecting
each
other's
similarities
and
our
differences.
B
C
C
As
we
approach
a
day
of
remembrance
that
holds
profound
significance
in
our
Collective
history,
we
came
together
this
afternoon
to
honor
the
84th
anniversary
of
the
signing
of
the
German
Soviet
non-aggression
pact
or,
as
Mr
Speaker
had
indicated,
that
Molotov
ribbon
trough
pact
between
Nazi
Germany
and
the
Communist
Soviet
Union
black
ribbon
day
serves
as
a
tender
reminder
of
the
atrocities
that
have
scarred
our
world
in
the
past.
It
is
a
day
when
we
reflect
on
the
lives,
lost
the
families
torn
apart
and
the
enduring
courage
of
those
who
resisted
tyranny.
C
As
we
raise
our
voices
in
unity,
we
pay
homage
to
the
unwavering
spirit
that
emerged
from
the
darkest
of
times.
This
day
is
not
only
about
looking
back,
but
also
about
standing
up
against
intolerance
Injustice
in
our
time.
It's
a
call
to
action
for
each
of
us
to
safeguard
the
principles
of
democracy,
human
rights
and
the
rule
of
law.
By
remembering
the
lessons
of
History,
we
Empower
ourselves
to
confront
the
challenges
of
the
present
and
shape
our
better
future
for
generations
to
come.
C
It's
so
important
that
we
reaffirm
this
commitment
regularly
as
we
wear
our
black
ribbons
today.
Let
us
remember
that
the
struggles
of
the
past
were
not
in
vain.
They
laid
the
foundation
for
the
freedoms
we
enjoy
today.
It's
our
duty
to
honor
the
memory
of
those
who
came
before
us
by
ensuring
that
their
sacrifices
were
not
forgotten.
C
Together,
we
can
uphold
the
values
of
inclusivity,
diversity
and
the
inherent
worth
of
every
individual
on
the
black
ribbon
day.
Let
us
recommit
ourselves
to
the
pursuit
of
justice
and
equality.
Let
us
pledge
to
be
vigilant
against
any
forces
that
seek
to
undermine
the
principles
that
Define
us
As,
We
Gather
in
unity.
Let
us
send
a
clear
message
that
are
resolved
to
create
a
world
free
from
oppression
remains
unshaken.
B
D
Hello,
everyone
I'm
honored
to
join
you
in
Remembering
and
honoring
those
who
were
victimized
by
the
Soviet
and
Nazi
regimes
on
August
23
1939.
A
document
was
signed
that
changed
the
course
of
history.
This
agreement
would
go
on
to
be
one
of
the
most
Sinister
alliances
in
the
history
of
the
world,
resulting
in
atrocities
committed
against
millions
of
the
Eastern
European
population.
D
Many
of
these
people
fled
their
homes
and
families
became
refugees
and
traveled
a
great
distance
to
settle
on
our
beautiful
Prairie
lands.
They
brought
with
them.
The
scars
of
battle
fought
overwhelming
grief
and
sadness,
and
some
of
them
arrived
alone
without
their
family
or
friends,
but
they
also
brought
with
them
tenacity,
thirst
for
freedom
and
an
unwavering
loyalty
to
their
culture.
D
D
Although
recent
Global
events
May
lead
us
to
believe
that
history
is
repeating
itself,
I
prefer
to
believe
that
here
in
Canada,
especially
here
in
Alberta,
we
can
band
together
to
fight
against
tyranny
and
exclusivity
and
to
ensure
Alberta
is
a
safe
and
comfortable
home
for
everyone,
a
place
where
different
cultures
can
not
only
exist
but
Thrive
together,
as
we
remember
those
we
have
lost.
Let
us
also
remember
the
importance
of
human
kindness
and
what
we
can
do
to
help
our
fellow
albertans
prosper.
E
Honorable
secure
your
excellencies,
distinguished
guests,
ladies
and
gentlemen,
it
is
an
honor
for
me
to
say
a
few
words
at
the
black
ribbon
day.
Commemoration
and
I
would
like
to
thank
the
president
of
the
Canadian
Hungarian
Heritage
Council
and
Regional
president
of
the
Hungarian
diaspora
council,
Mrs
Anna
Center,
for
this
opportunity
on
August
23rd
in
1939,
Nazi
Germany
and
the
Soviet
Union
entered
into
a
pact
that
paved
the
way
to
the
Second
World
War,
bringing
Devastation
and
suffering
to
millions
of
people.
E
E
E
F
Honorable
speaker,
dear
members
of
the
assembly
and
the
government,
dear
community
members
and
attendees,
thank
you
for
upkeeping
the
annual
tradition
of
commemorating
the
black
ribbon
day
in
Edmonton
Alberta.
That
is
greatly
appreciated
by
the
embassies
of
central
European
countries
and
our
diasporas
in
Alberta.
F
I
think
that
the
black
ribbon
day
cannot
be
marked
today,
irrespective
of
current
context.
In
light
of
massive
aggression
of
Russia
against
Ukraine
last
year,
the
black
ribbon
day
acquired
renewed
contemporary
meaning.
Today,
black
ribbon
day
shouldn't
remain
only
a
day
of
remembrance
of
victims.
It
has
to
become
a
day
of
action.
It
has.
F
F
H
H
H
The
outbreak
of
the
second
world
war,
which
began
on
September
on
September
1
1939
with
the
Invasion
on
Poland
by
Germany,
is
one
of
the
events
that
is
annually
commemorated
all
over
Europe,
but
also
globally.
The
following
Soviet
incursion
into
polish
territory
over
two
weeks
later
tends
to
be
remembered
less.
H
It
is
very
important
that
on
this
day,
we
remember
about
both
of
those
tragic
contexts
on
August
23,
1939,
foreign
Ministers
of
Germany
and
Soviet
Union,
signed
in
Moscow
and
non-aggression
pact,
a
non-aggression
pact.
Imagine
that
a
non-aggression
pact
that
resulted
in
a
five-year-long
horrid
war
that
raged
all
over
the
world
in
the
Poland.
It
resulted
in
about
six
million
people
being
murdered,
destruction
of
infrastructure,
culture,
social
life.
It
was
anything
but
non-aggressive.
H
G
H
H
We
do
learn
from
our
history
and
we
are
grateful
to
those
who
are
willing
to
take
time,
listen
to
us
and
work
with
us
in
order
to
make
the
world
a
better
place
in
this
Spirit.
Allow
me
to
thank
all
the
Canadian
friends
from
Alberta,
including
the
large
Polish
Community,
for
your
important
initiative
of
the
black
ribbon
day.
Thank
you.
B
B
I'd
also
like
to
now
invite
Mr
John
schumless
The
Honorable
honorary
Council
of
the
Republic
of
Poland
in
Edmonton
to
provide
remarks.
Mr
schumless
is
well
known
around
the
legislature.
Building,
having
worked
in
various
Ministries
in
the
past
has
been
a
great
Advocate
and
supporter
of
the
speaker's
office
with
respect
to
ensuring
that
we
can
bring
all
of
you
together
here
for
this
important
day,
Mr
shroomless.
I
You
know
with
an
introduction
like
that:
Mr
Speaker:
it's
going
to
be
very
difficult
to
give
my
comments,
but
before
I
do
Mr,
Speaker
special
guest
Saul,
let
me
introduce
a
few
people
that
are
in
our
audience
that
are
well
deserved
of
recognition.
You
know
we're
honored
that
our
good
friend
the
consul
general
of
Ukraine
Alexander
denalenko,
is
with
us.
We
thank
a
man
who
is
extremely
busy
and
we
thank
you
very
much
for
participating
and
attending
our
event.
Today.
I
Mr
John
tomchak,
who
is
our
national
president
of
the
Polish
Canadian
Congress,
nationally
just
returned
from
Poland,
and
we
do
think
that
he's
recovered
from
his
jet
lag
to
be
with
us,
and
we
thank
him
very
much.
We
know
that
Xander
voros
is
with
us
and
Xander
is
the
new
president
and
he
brought
his
lovely
wife
with
him,
and
you
know
our
outstanding
black
ribbon
provider
each
and
every
year
Eva,
but
Xander.
I
Congratulations
on
your
new
appointment
as
the
president
of
the
Canadian
Hungarian
society
and
thank
you
very
much
for
attending
and
orisia
I've
seen
orissia
Boychuk
is
with
us
as
well.
Oh
there's
oricia
and
she
is
the
president
of
the
Ukrainian
Congress
Alberta
Branch
Mr
Speaker
today
marks
the
13th
year
that
I
have
chaired
a
dedicated
group
of
volunteers
to
organize
this
event.
13
years
we
each
year
since
the
year
2020,
with
the
exception
of
the
Year
each
year
since
2010,
with
the
exception
of
2020
due
to
the
pandemic.
I
I
I
My
World,
War,
II
deported
parents
constantly
reminded
their
five
Sons
that
we
must
never
cast
aside
our
individual
responsibility
to
be
on
guard
to
prevent
a
new
Hitler,
a
new
Stalin
from
eliminating
a
free
press
and
smothering
the
population
with
lies
and
lies,
and
More
Lies
each
year
I've
stood
before
you
to
draw
attention
to
the
Hideous
crimes
against
humanity.
The
totalitarian
regimes
inflicted
upon
innocent
individuals.
I
That
day,
August
23
1939
set
the
course
for
Nazi
Germany
from
the
West
three
weeks
later,
Soviet
Union
from
the
East
to
undertake
their
evil
friends.
It
was
February
10
1940,
when
the
first
of
thousands
of
cattle
cars
commenced
transporting
innocent
women
and
children
from
Eastern
Poland
to
the
gulags
and
the
Frozen
lands
of
Siberia.
I
We
are
honored
that
one
of
those
who
were
transported
then
was
in
short,
pants,
and
only
a
few
years
old
young
Wilhelm
kevich
is
with
us.
Wilhelm
do
Stan.
You
know
he
was
on
one
of
those
cattle
cars.
He
and
his
family
were
sent
to
what
was
known
as
the
white
crematorium
500
000
people
were
sent
only
two
hundred
thousand
ever
made
it
out.
I
I
I
They
can
throw
themselves
on
the
electric
wire
immediately
if
there
are
Jews
in
the
transport
they're
allowed
to
live
no
more
than
two
weeks
priests
one
month
and
the
rest
three
months,
I
asked
myself
why?
Why
is
it
as
humans?
We
are
not
able
to
solve
problems
with
words,
but
only
with
bombs.
Bullets
and
brutality
as
Martin
Luther,
King
Jr
taught
us
in
the
end.
I
I
Symphony
Orchestra
has
a
large
hole
to
fill
now
that
you
have
retired
you're,
too
young
to
retire,
but
you're
retired
after
so
many
outstanding
years
of
service,
as
you
entered
in
today,
you're
provided
with
a
black
ribbon
each
and
every
year
the
Hungarian
cultural
society
and
cooperation
with
the
honorary
Council
of
Hungary
has
provided
them.
Thank
you
again,
Eva
for
doing
that
to
our
community
speakers.
Your
thought
for
words
are
most
appreciative
and
finally
without
question.
I
Mr
Speaker
your
outstanding
office
staff,
led
by
your
executive
assistant
coach,
who
is
both
extremely
well
organized,
but,
more
importantly,
so
professional
for
all
of
that
we
do
want
to
say
takacha.
Thank
you
and
last
but
not
least
thank
to
each
thank
you
to
each
and
every
one
of
you
to
come
here,
the
home
of
Alberta's
democracy
and
to
all
those
who
are
watching
at
home
on
the
internet.
B
Thank
you
John
for
your
powerful
words
and
thank
you
for
introducing
a
number
of
our
other
special
guests
that
have
joined
us
today
and
I
too,
would
like
to
pass
along
a
word
of
encouragement
from
all
members
of
the
legislative
assembly
to
council
General
denalenko
in
your
ongoing
fight
for
freedom
for
the
people
of
Ukraine.
Please
know
that
every
member
of
the
assembly
is
a
supporter
of
yours,
of
Ukraine
and
of
Freedom
Slava
Ukraine.
B
J
Mr
Speaker,
your
action
sees
the
three
ambassadors
who
addressed
us
honorable,
members
of
the
legislature,
members
of
the
legislature,
Consul
General,
honorary
councils.
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
in
1866,
Ford
or
Dostoevsky,
the
great
Russian
author
published
his
famous
novel
crime
and
punishment
Midway
through
the
novel.
A
chilling
conversation
takes
place
between
the
intellectually
gifted
protagonist
rescaulikov
and
the
perceptive
persistent
inspector
porofree
Petrovic.
J
J
B
G
G
G
G
G
They
decided
to
swim
across
the
older
River
and
claim
Refugee
status
in
Germany
during
the
war.
My
father's
father
served
as
an
officer
in
the
Polish
army
fighting
at
D-Day,
one
of
my
great
uncles.
Another
polish
officer
was
murdered
by
the
Soviets
in
the
katin
forest
in
1940,
together
with
close
to
22
other
thousand
people,
while
another
uncle
had
his
young
life
come
to
a
brutally
abrupt
halt
in
the
gas
chambers
of
Auschwitz
in
1944..
G
G
G
Statistics
are
important,
especially
to
statisticians
historians,
as
they
Define
a
particular
scale.
However,
with
reverence
to
the
subject
matter,
we
need
to
focus
on
something
beyond
the
numbers.
Every
number
constitutes
a
human
being
behind
every
statistic.
Every
number
there
is
a
human
being.
We
must
always
remember
that
they
were
first
and
above
all,
human
beings.
G
What
unites
many
of
us
gathered
here
today
is
not
only
our
pain,
the
suffering
of
our
loved
ones,
but
the
fact
that
we
remember
those
who
perished
at
the
hands
of
Soviet
and
Nazi
oppressors
that
we
are
gathered
here
today
in
the
home
of
democracy.
Here
in
Alberta
in
the
defense
of
Human
Rights
freedom
and
democracy.
G
It
is
our
sense
of
responsibility
to
honor
the
above.
Today
we
wear
this
ribbon
as
we
remember
and
pay
homage
to
the
victims
and
survivors
of
totalitarian
and
authoritarian
regimes,
both
past
and
present.
Unfortunately,
in
2023,
as
we
speak
and
sit
here
today,
there
are
victims
of
Russia's
ongoing,
genocidal
war
against
Ukraine.
B
K
Before
I
invite
you
to
join
me
in
prayer,
I
wanted
to
say
the
brief
comments
regarding
today
anniversary
the
Saturday
when
two
eighties
ideologies,
the
German,
Nazi
and
Soviet
Union-
sign
no
aggressive
pact
against
the
Europe
against
the
whole
humanity,
and
it
is
good
to
remember
the
two.
These
two
ideologies
they
were
atheists,
they
completely
rejected.
The
existence
of
God,
like
fyodor
dostolesky
quoted
today,
said.
If
there
is
no
God
in
our
life,
the
men
can
do
everything.
There
is
no
respect
for
anyone
and
we
can
see
when
we
look
back
at
the
history.
K
K
When
the
Bolshevik
took
a
power
in
Russia,
a
Nazi
as
well
in
Germany,
they
they
targeting
those
who
believe
in
God
they
targeting
them.
Christianity
Judaism
and
now
I
wanted
to
invite
you
to
join
me
in
the
prayer
prayer
for
peace,
Lord,
Jesus
Christ,
you
are
called
the
Prince
of
Peace,
who
are
yourself
our
peace
and
Reconciliation,
who
so
often
said
peace
to
you
grant
us
peace,
make
all
men
and
women
Witnesses
of
truth,
justice
and
brotherly
love
banish
from
their
hearts.
K
We
acknowledge
your
fatherly
love
when
you
break
the
resistance
of
mankind
and
in
a
world
turn
by
strife
and
Discord.
You
make
us
ready
for
reconciliation
renew
for
us.
The
wonders
of
your
mercy
send
forth
your
spirit
that
he
may
work
in
the
intimacy
of
hearts
that
enemies,
May,
begin
to
dialogue,
that
adversaries,
May,
shake
hands
and
peoples
May
encounter
one
another
in
harmony,
may
all
commit
themselves
to
the
censor,
search
for
true
peace,
which
will
extinguish
all
Arguments
for
charity
which
overcomes
hatred
for
pardon,
which
disarms
Revenge.
A
A
A
A
A
B
So
let
us
fill
this
building
our
communities
and
our
province
with
respect
and
A
Renewed
sense
of
unity.
That
comes
from
remembering
days
like
today
to
our
friends
of
Eastern,
European
and
central
European
ancestry.
We
grieve
at
your
losses
and
your
personal
stories
and
connections
to
the
most
difficult
time
in
human
history,
and
we
promise
to
always
to
always
stand
alongside
you
to
fight
the
tyranny
of
evil
and
those
who
would
commit
crimes
against
humanity.
B
Thank
you
immediately
following
our
ceremony
today,
our
platform
guests
members
of
the
assembly
may
join
us
here.
We'll
move
some
chairs
where
we
can
take
a
couple
of
photographs
on
the
grand
staircase
of
the
assembly
to
commemorate
this
day
and
I'd
like
to
invite
all
guests
to
please
enjoy
the
tea
and
coffee
immediately
behind
you
that
has
been
provided.
Thank
you
very
much
for
joining
us
today,
foreign.