More than one hundred years after the N^o.2 Construction Battalion was disbanded, we are ever grateful for their bravery and resilience in the face of hate and adversity. But more than our gratitude, we owe these members, their families, and their community an apology for the racism and discrimination they endured in their service to our country.

They too felt the fervor. They too felt the desire to stand for this country, but they were told ‘This is not your war’. They were told, ‘This is a white man’s war’.

Like so many Canadians who were eager to serve their country at the beginning of the First World War, Black Canadians were also ready and willing to put their lives at risk. Their contributions to the Canadian war effort were vitally important to the eventual Allied victory. Despite all that they gave, nonetheless, they were treated differently – based solely on the colour of their skin. It’s our duty as Canadians to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The story of the N^o.2 Construction Battalion will resonate with many Black Canadians today, who day after day put their lives on the front lines to stand for their country, yet rarely if ever get the recognition that they so deserve. We can’t change the past, and the wrongdoings of previous generations, but can certainly choose the future that we want to live in. Although this recognition is long overdue, it is one that will allow us to move in the right direction by telling the stories of these brave members who contributed to making Canada the strong nation that it is today.