Rideau Hall, Friday, June 20, 2014

Sharon and I are delighted to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall.

As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I am humbled by every opportunity I am given to honour our serving men and women. This year is especially meaningful, as 2014 marks several key military milestones.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, as well as the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. More recently, the mission in Afghanistan ended after more than a dozen years, and Canadians across the country joined in welcoming the troops home.

Those who served in Afghanistan—more than 40 000 soldiers—deserve our gratitude, for their sacrifice and for representing our country with pride and distinction.

Each one of you here today—whether you served in Afghanistan, Libya or Haiti, in countries abroad or here at home—has played a significant role in defending our ideals and our very way of life. You have saved lives and helped others, not only by using military strength, but also through your roles as peacekeepers, councillors, facilitators, ambassadors, medics, and search and rescuers, to name but a few.

As soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces, you must wear many hats, and it is a testament to your flexibility and training that you assume every role with confidence and skill.

By being inducted into the Order of Military Merit, you are joining a long line of others who have served our country with great honour. You have performed your duties with distinction and you are most deserving of this honour.

I always speak of our men and women in uniform with great pride, and through ceremonies like this, I convey my gratitude, appreciation and admiration for all that you do.

Just a few short weeks ago, Canadians—particularly surviving veterans of that battle—joined with others around the world to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

I would like to repeat the words that Her Majesty The Queen offered on that occasion, which I believe are relevant to the work you do today. She said:

“Knitted together by common experiences of struggle, sacrifice and reconciliation, we remember those times in a way that strengthens unity and understanding between us.... Our peace and prosperity can never be taken for granted and must constantly be tended, so that never again do we have cause to build monuments to our fallen youth.”

This statement echoes back through time, to D-Day and further, to the First World War and beyond. You serve a common cause, shoulder to shoulder with comrades. And you do so in the hope that future generations will not have to do so. Peace is always the goal, and you are its defenders and protectors.

As members of the Canadian Armed Forces, your contributions are appreciated across this country and around the world. Your dedication is inspiring, and I am honoured to celebrate your achievements on this very special occasion. 

Welcome to the Order of Military Merit. I thank you for your service to our nation.