Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony

Rideau Hall, Friday, February 26, 2010

We have many occasions to be proud these days.

While we were still in shock after the terrible disaster that beset our sisters and brothers in Haiti, our troops were on alert and immediately preparing to take part in humanitarian and rescue operations.

Despite the enormous challenges, including ones of coordination, the Disaster Assistance Response Team was ready to deploy.

DART has been working for the past month to ease suffering, provide care to hundreds of people every day, alleviate thirst and hunger, remove rubble and improve living conditions in a region of the island that was hit so hard.

Hundreds of troops who had just returned from Afghanistan were deployed to Haiti, often at their own request.

Indeed, even though not everyone could go, there are so many of you, from all elements, who have volunteered to support the Haitian people’s efforts to recover from the disaster, and that spirit of generosity does you credit.

That willingness to act by members of the Canadian Forces touches me deeply.

I assure you that it has helped me to get over the pessimism and the feeling of helplessness I felt when I saw the disaster, like so many others of the Haitian diaspora, who are connected like me, by our roots and in our hearts, to that long-suffering island.

I recognized the dedication and the commitment of the men and women in uniform whom I have supported wholeheartedly as commander-in-chief for nearly five years.

In addition, I recently got back from the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, where the Canadian Forces are providing security for the athletes, the fans cheering them on, and delegations and heads of state and government from every corner of the globe.

I met with troops on duty in Whistler.

That was another showcase for your professionalism, dedication and cooperation.

It has been described as one of the largest security operations in Canada’s history, and yet no one seemed uncomfortable with the military presence.

On the contrary, it was seen as an expression of Canada’s concern for the smooth operation of the competitions and the physical safety of its hosts, in a peaceful spirit.

Coming back from the Games, I am more convinced than ever that Canada embodies the principles of democracy, justice, peace and freedom in the world.

It is those ideals that the Canadian Forces are striving to defend here at home and beyond our borders.

Indeed, the Forces are present in all regions of the world, in operations that are too numerous for me to list.

In Afghanistan, which I visited again last fall, accompanied this time by General Natynczyk, our troops are valiantly serving so that children, men and women are no longer deprived of the most fundamental rights.

Peace is definitely being built, often under the most difficult conditions. And it imposes many sacrifices.

We know that all too well, and every repatriation to CFB Trenton is another cruel reminder.

And how could I forget the sacrifices your families must make, standing by your side through thick and thin.

We can never say enough of their contribution to the success of the Forces and its missions.

Canadians are indebted to you for the work you are doing on their behalf, and for the values they hold dear.

The Order of Military Merit was established to show our appreciation of and our pride in your meritorious service and your exceptional sense of duty.

And I want you to know that it is both a pleasure and an honour for me to invest you into this prestigious Order as commanders, officers and members.

Congratulations to each and every one of you, and once again, thank you, thank you so much.