Invictus Games in Vancouver unite Canada, U.S.

An escalating trade war is creating tension in the relationship between Canada and the United States, but the differences are being put aside as veterans from both countries come together at the Invictus Games.

During the opening ceremonies of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver Sunday, Team USA received a warm welcome from the thousands in attendance at BC Place.

B.C. Premier David Eby, speaking at the ceremony, acknowledged the current political climate with our neighbours to the south.

“Look, I know our two countries are having a moment right now,” he said, to laughter from the crowd.

“But there is not a person here, there is not a Canadian that does not know that our soldiers have fought and died and cried and celebrated beside Americans for generations.”

At the heart of the Invictus Games are over 500 examples of resilience, toughness, and determination that are being put on display by those competing. Even though each athlete is representing their home country on a global stage, what remains constant is the mutual respect and brotherhood that goes beyond borders.

“When we were on that floor, to see Team USA stand up and give us that heart symbol, that meant the world to us,” said Team Canada athlete Robert Pullen.

“What you see on the news and what you see in print is not happening in our lives. To see that love come across the floor to us, we had to return that favour. The love is there.”

Team USA athlete Joshua Martin expressed a similar sentiment.

“We are all people, we are all here to support one another and to support the Invictus Games and the overall mission of recovery through sport,” Martin said.