Rideau Hall, Monday, November 11, 2013

My wife, Sharon, and I are pleased to welcome you to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada.

As governor general, as commander-in-chief of Canada, and as a father and grandfather, there is no more solemn day in my calendar than this one.

But I can only imagine what today means for you, Mrs. Psiharis, as the Silver Cross Mother. 

It is my hope that each November 11 brings to you a sense of our respect and gratitude for the sacrifice made by your son, known to Canada as Sergeant Chris Karigiannis—and for the sacrifice you have made, as his mother. 

The occasion of Remembrance Day began at the end of the Great War—or, as we call it now, the First World War—as a means of paying tribute to the fallen.

It was also instituted to remind us: never again should we fail to achieve our ends by peaceful means.

Remembrance Day thus has a dual purpose: to allow us to give thanks to those who served and to their families and loved ones, and to constantly rededicate ourselves to building a fairer, more just and peaceful world.

The great significance of the Silver Cross Mother memorial—and of your presence in Ottawa today, Mrs. Psiharis—is that it shows us, on a very personal level, the human element in war.

That you are here today, and that your youngest son is not, says all that needs to be said about the terrible tragedy of war.

Let us take this opportunity to remember the life of your son, Chris. Sharon and I want all Canadians to know who he was and how he approached his life and work with such wonderful enthusiasm.

From what I’ve learned, he chose a life of military service at an early age.

When he was 13 years old, he joined the Air Cadets, and went on to become a top-ranked member of that organization. He was the recipient of the Lord Strathcona Medal, which recognizes exemplary performance in physical and military training, as well as the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship.

Upon graduation from high school, he earned a degree in aircraft maintenance from John Abbot College in Montréal, before joining the armed forces in 2003.

While still ranked a private in the army, he was chosen to serve on the elite Skyhawks team. Sergeant Karigiannis was also an avid recreational pilot, traveler and skydiver.

He was a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. It is a proud, historic regiment—one that was strengthened by his contributions and, now, by his memory.

Mrs. Psiharis, I would never wish the distinction of the Silver Cross upon any parent.

But it is an important distinction, which not only recognizes your loss, but your contributions as a mother and as a citizen of this country.

Since the loss of your son, you have shown great courage and strength.

It is indeed clear to all of us where Sergeant Karigiannis drew his own courage from.

For the past four years, you have travelled to Remembrance Day ceremonies here in Ottawa with students from your son’s former high school.

You have also helped to motivate those students to serve more than 100 000 volunteer hours within their community. Just think of that—more than 100 000 volunteer hours—and how many lives have been touched for the better.

This is an eloquent, meaningful, powerful tribute to your son—a great tide of goodness— and to the ideal of service to which he gave himself.

The Silver Cross is likewise intended as a symbol of respect and gratitude for your bravery and your efforts as a mother.

For that reason, on behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express to you my sincere thanks and appreciation, even as I offer my deepest condolences for the loss you have suffered.

Thank you.