CFB Gagetown, Monday, May 14, 2007

I am especially moved to be here with you today. I was absolutely adamant that this official visit to New Brunswick start with a visit to Gagetown. I wanted to come here in person to hear how you were doing.

I take my responsibilities as commander in chief of the Canadian Forces very seriously. And I know that you and your families have suffered some tragic losses lately. You have my utmost sympathy. The entire country has been in mourning as a result of those horrible events.

I was in Trenton for the repatriation ceremony of the soldiers you knew who were killed while fighting for an ideal of justice and freedom.

I spent time with their families, who all spoke with such pride of the commitment shown by their son, their brother, their husband, in Afghanistan. They told me how much they respected the determination shown by these men.

They are in my thoughts and in my heart. As are their families. I think everyone in Canada understands the scope and significance of their sacrifices. And of yours.

A little over two months ago, I was in Afghanistan and I witnessed the intensity with which military personnel and humanitarian workers work in close collaboration with their Afghan partners to facilitate the development of a secure environment and to implement favourable development conditions in a country filled with despair.

I was deeply impressed by the unwavering conviction of these women and men, who are committed to establishing promising partnerships with the people from Afghanistan’s civil society who are trying to help their country recover from years of distress and despair.

And I want you to know that everywhere I go in Canada, people tell me how much they admire our soldiers and they ask me how they are doing.

Above all, they hope that your colleagues overseas come home safe and sound.

Thank you very much for welcoming me here in Gagetown. I am here to listen to you, and I will share your concerns and hopes with the entire country.

Thank you.