City of Quebec, Quebec, Saturday, October 18, 2014

It is with the greatest pleasure that I congratulate all of you on the 100th anniversary of the Royal 22e Régiment.

This has been a wonderful year, one of pageantry, unique events, history and remembrance. I have had the privilege of participating in a few of these events, of meeting with members of the Van Doos—past and present—and of hearing their stories.

Since becoming governor general, I have discovered how close-knit and wonderful the military family is. The Van Doos, throughout its history, has been there for each other protected each other, supported each other, grieved and celebrated together. I am proud to be part of your great family, and proud to honour what you have done.

In the First and Second World War, in Korea, in Afghanistan and in arenas around the world, you have proven your mettle. Moreover, you have helped to cement the Van Doos as a Canadian icon, a military unit that goes above and beyond the fight. You contribute greatly to our community and give back to a country that is already indebted to you.

I am reminded of what my predecessor, General Georges P. Vanier—himself a proud member of the Van Doos—once said: “We should never underestimate the contribution a soldier makes as [a] citizen.”

Each member of the Van Doos—everyone who has served, everyone who has been wounded in battle, all those who sacrificed their lives in defence of our nation—is both a soldier and a citizen of this great nation. You have given all you have to give on the battlefield and in service to Canada, and then come home and given more. It is truly inspiring to see.

Personally, I have been delighted to get to know the Van Doos during the time I have spent at the Citadelle, home to all governors general since Confederation, and home to the Van Doos since 1920. It is this personal connection between the office of the governor general and your regiment that makes it such a pleasure for me to be here and to celebrate with you. 

As commander-in-chief of Canada, I am grateful for what you have done and what you continue to do, here at home and overseas. And I am proud of the work you do to preserve the history of this regiment, of those who served, and of those who have been honoured.

As this milestone year draws to a close, I would like to say a final thank you to all of you, to your families and to your supporters for making this anniversary such a memorable one. 

I would like to end by raising a glass to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Crown’s continued support of the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Queen!