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Lest We Forget - We stand on guard for thee

Giving back to those who serve

Scotiabank is honoured to support the brave servicemen and women who sacrifice so much to protect our nation.

In 2014, Scotiabank has continued to support our troops and veterans and their families through organizations like Camp Maple Leaf and Canada Company. As well, Scotiabankers all over Canada support organizations like the Royal Canadian Legion through Bright Future, Scotiabank’s global philanthropic program.

Earlier this year, we partnered with True Patriot Love (TPL) to launch the Scotiabank TPL Fund for Wounded Veterans, offering financial support for projects that fund mental health or physical rehabilitation. In April, as the Presenting Sponsor of the True Patriot Love Expedition for the second time, Scotiabank was proud to be a part of an amazing trek to the North Pole to help raise funds and awareness for wounded soldiers.

Who I wear a poppy for

As part of the Scotiabank Remembers Series, we’re honouring Scotiabank employees who are also veterans, past and present.

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired)
Robert Bérubé, CD

“I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989, serving as an Infantry Officer with the Royal 22ième Régiment, and served as a Special Operations Forces Officer from 2006 until retiring as a Lieutenant-Colonel in September 2014.

As a third generation military member, I took great pride in protecting our great nation and helping bring hope, peace and dignity to people around the globe who do not enjoy the same freedoms, liberties and way of life that we cherish in Canada.

Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices of past generations of Canadians who served in faraway lands, to help defend and liberate strangers from oppression. Having attended many commemorative ceremonies in Europe during my career, I was particularly moved by the gratitude of the citizens of these countries and by the efforts that they make in educating younger generations regarding these sacrifices.

I wear a poppy in honour of all those who have served during conflicts and peace support operations, especially those who returned forever scarred by the effects of war - and the over 113,000 who never returned at all.”

Lieutenant Ryerson Maybee

“I have served in Canada’s military for 20 years. There is a sense of purpose, a nobility of sorts, to the work itself. But mostly, it’s the people that I serve with that are the best part. For me, Remembrance Day is a always a mix of melancholy and pride. I think about my grandfathers, and the soldiers that I have known personally that have died in service to Canada. I am so proud of our accomplishments, and sad at the loss of so many young Canadians.

On November 11, I wear a poppy for Tom Ankner, Jim Oglivie, Dan Hodges, Gilles Desmarais, and all the others we lost in Afghanistan, Korea, WWII, and WWI. They are never far from my thoughts, and on Remembrance Day they are all that much closer.!”

Colonel Dwayne Hobbs

“I have served in Canada’s Military for 22 years. The opportunity to serve with highly motivated, ethical and passionate young Canadian leaders in uniform is inspiring.

For me, Remembrance Day has significance on many levels. At a very basic level, it is about revering our Fallen for their sacrifices. I am deeply affected by my close personal connection to the soldiers of my Regiment who lost their lives in the two World Wars because of my knowledge of the stories and our shared narrative. I am equally moved by my connection to the younger generation of Fallen and wounded soldiers whom I actually know. I am saddened by their sacrifice, while simultaneously awed and inspired by them. Remembrance Day is their day.

This year, I have been thinking a great deal about the children of some of my fallen comrades. I want these children to know how much I honour and revere their lost parent.”

 

Scotiabank Remembers

Archival Story - RESIGNATION LETTER

John Christie

Born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1892, John Christie worked for The Bank of Nova Scotia at the General Office in Toronto as Confidential Clerk to the General Manager. In December 1915, Christie resigned to join the 77th Overseas Battalion. In his resignation letter, he wrote: “Please accept my sincerest thanks for the treatment that has been accorded me in the past, as I realize that I have been very well treated by the Bank, both in regard to salary and being given every opportunity for advancement. I do hope that you will take me back into service should I return.”

In May 1917, Christie was awarded the Military Cross for Bravery and “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid in the enemy’s trenches,” according to a newspaper clipping. A year later, Christie returned to North America and joined the staff of the British Embassy in Washington, as Secretary to Lord Reading, and later to Viscount Grey.

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The Book of Remembrance

For the Fallen

Book of Remembrance

The Book of Remembrance is a hand-lettered and illuminated book in which are inscribed the names of 173 officers of The Bank of Nova Scotia (including the amalgamated banks – The Bank of Ottawa and The Bank of New Brunswick) who died in The Great War (World War I) and World War II. A. Scott Carter spent more than two years hand-lettering and illuminating the book which was completed in 1952.

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