Former Morden resident and internationally-renowned musician Loreena McKennitt honours the sacrifice of members of the armed forces and their families with a new song,

'Breaking of the Sword' was inspired during her preparation this spring for the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on the 100th anniversary and contemplates the unimaginable loss many mothers endured, sending sons to war who never returned.

McKennitt is also an appointed Honorary Colonel of the RCAF

McKennitt hopes to represent the many experiences of loss during times of war, felt by the immediate family, the military family and the fallen's communities.

"In the contemporary sense, families of those who serve continue to make huge compromises and sacrifices to support their loved ones, regardless of their mission or task from combat to humanitarian and search-and-rescue missions, to the demands of daily training and operations," she says. "We, as citizens, owe those who serve, as well as their families, our immense gratitude and at the very least, the act of remembrance."

She encourages people, even during tumultuous times, to not become cynical or apathetic, but instead honour the sacrifice of the Canadian Armed Forces.

"The very act of remembrance means a great deal to those who serve," she says.

The new single, 'Breaking of the Sword' is McKennitt's first new track in 11 years.

The title of the song is borrowed from a group of statues on the Vimy Memorial called the Defenders. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial consists of 20 symbolic statues, the largest of which is known as Canada Bereft, or sometimes as Mother Canada, as it personifies a young nation mourning its dead.

The track was recorded with the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces and the 90-voice Stratford Concert Choir from McKennitt's home base of Stratford, Ontario.