Rideau Hall, Tuesday, November 11, 2014

There is one call—one visit—that every parent of a soldier dreads. Regrettably, too many families throughout Canada’s history have received the terrible, news that their child has died.

Losing a child is unimaginable. But as we have seen in recent weeks, when a soldier falls, we all share the sorrow, we all feel the loss.  And the sting never lessens.

That is why Remembrance Day is so important. We need to remember all of the soldiers who died while defending our values.

We need to remember who they were, and what they did and stood for. We need to remind ourselves that these soldiers were more than just men and women in uniform. They were individuals with families and friends, people who were loved.

Ms. Michaud, your son, Master Corporal Charles-Philippe Michaud, was a valued member of the Canadian Armed Forces, one who was recognized on a number of occasions for his service. He performed his duty respectfully and with great passion, and he inspired those around him. Outside the Forces, he was a hockey player who greatly enjoyed playing the guitar and saxophone.

I know this—and can share it with everyone here—because, although he has been gone since 2009, his memory is as strong as ever because you have kept it strong.  

Just a short time ago, we were laying wreaths at the National War Memorial. I was honoured to lay one on behalf of all Canadians.

You laid your wreath on behalf of every Canadian mother who has lost a child.

But today, you represent not only mothers, but also fathers, wives, husbands and children. You stand for anyone who has lost a loved one serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

And you shoulder this great responsibility because you know how important it is for everyone who grieves to know that they are not alone, that they are in our thoughts and in our hearts.

Commemorating Remembrance Day at the memorial, I was especially mindful that we stood in the shadows of all those who came before us, of everyone who has marked November 11 since the end of the First World War.

Another shadow also made its presence felt this morning. The statuesque figures on top of the memorial are constantly looking out over our nation’s capital. And their message is one not of war, but of peace and freedom.

I would like to share with you the poignant words of King George VI, who addressed Canadians at the memorial’s unveiling, 75 years ago:

“Not by chance both the crowning figures of peace and freedom appear side by side. Peace and freedom cannot long be separated. It is well that we have, in one of the world capitals, a visible reminder of so great a truth. Without freedom there can be no enduring peace, and without peace no enduring freedom.”

Without men like Master Corporal Michaud, we would not enjoy the peace and freedom that Canada provides. Even when that peace is so tragically shattered, like it was three weeks ago at the Memorial, it is never gone forever.

It is through committed family members, like Ms. Michaud, our Silver Cross Mother, that we are able to keep sight of what our sons and daughters continue to fight for, and what they have died for since the birth of our nation.

On this Remembrance Day, let us give thanks for all those who serve, and remember those whom we have lost.

And let us continue to work for peace and freedom in our world. Though they are elusive at times, they are worth the struggle to realize and achieve.

Thank you.