Ottawa, Monday, February 19, 2007

In today’s ceremony, which brings together different decorations, we recognize the importance of all aspects of the military’s work.

Fighting for peace, progress and stability in Afghanistan, our men and women in uniform must constantly demonstrate the highest levels of courage, resourcefulness and personal initiative, as well as a willingness to go above and beyond.

Which they do in exemplary fashion.

We know that members of the Canadian Forces must often perform their duties while overcoming numerous obstacles and while putting themselves in harm’s way.

Re-establishing security, improving living conditions, and defending democracy abroad are all long and proud traditions in the Canadian military. And all of you here today have honoured that tradition.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is an historic day.

In 1993, Canada created new decorations for military valour: the Canadian Victoria Cross, the Star of Military Valour and the Medal of Military Valour.

For thirteen years none were awarded, symbolizing the rare distinction that these decorations represent.

Today, we award the first of these medals to a group of soldiers who have demonstrated the highest degree of courage and selflessness, in the face of great danger.

It is no coincidence that these soldiers earned this honour while serving in Afghanistan.

Canada’s military involvement in that country has exposed our armed forces to the most deadly combat situations they have seen since the Korean conflict.

However, our forces’ experience in Afghanistan suggests that the most trying circumstances can bring forth the most noble human qualities.

Qualities like loyalty, bravery, resourcefulness, compassion, boldness, and sheer determination.

Indeed, I would say that the best facets of the Canadian spirit can be seen in the accomplishments of the individuals receiving the Military Valour decorations and those being awarded decorations for Meritorious Service.

The first group of honourees demonstrated quick thinking, courage under fire, and the willingness to risk their lives to come to the rescue of fallen comrades or take decisive action to protect their fellow soldiers and save innocent lives.

I had the opportunity to go beyond the official citations and learn something more about these soldiers and their experiences.

What struck me about them was their great humility, and their commitment to helping their colleagues.

The common thread running through their comments was: “I’m not exceptional; any one of my fellow soldiers would’ve done the same thing. I accept the decoration on behalf of my platoon—they all own a part of it.”

The soldiers who are receiving the decorations for Valour personify one aspect of our country’s military tradition: our forces’ effectiveness in operations.

The men and women in uniform who are receiving the decorations for Meritorious Service personify another great tradition of the Canadian Forces: their success in making our world a better place to live.

Many honourees have distinguished themselves while working to restore stability and hope to the victims of conflict and natural disasters.

In Haiti, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and of course Afghanistan, the individuals being honoured today have worked tirelessly, in the most difficult conditions, to bring relief to people in need.

Some did this as part of a DART mission, while others helped restore order in countries that have been decimated by years of widespread violence.

Others have earned this decoration while serving in the many specialized areas that play an essential role in our Canadian forces.

As you all know, the modern battlefield requires a highly complex military organization, with numerous qualities that ensure the success of the whole.

Qualities like professionalism, leadership, loyalty, esprit de corps, and others play a vital role in making Canada’s military one of the most effective in the world.

Whether it is serving with our NATO allies, developing a new medical training course, performing dangerous Search & Rescue duties, advocating on behalf of the Forces, organizing large-scale commemorative ceremonies or overseeing major operations “in theatre”, remember this:

…without your unique contribution, the Canadian Forces could not accomplish as much as they do.

On behalf of the people of Canada, I am proud to present you with these decorations.

Your efforts are not in vain and we are all deeply grateful to you today.

I would especially like to remember Captain Nicola Goddard, whom we are honouring posthumously today.

Thank you.