Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Sunday, July 6, 2014

The greatest tribute you can pay people is to say that they were at their best when things were at their worst.

And no one has faced more difficult times than you.

A sudden horror happened here one year ago.

Forty-seven people killed.

Half of your downtown ruined.

One hundred and fifty-five businesses destroyed.

All in an instant.

No one in this community was left untouched on that awful night.

But it was a night that saw everyone rise to the challenge.

Fire fighters, paramedics and police officers put their lives at risk.

Doctors, nurses and social workers cared for those wounded in body and spirit.

All of you comforted and supported others as you yourselves received comfort and support.

Lac-Mégantic may be a small place, but you’ve shown what a mighty heart and fierce will it has to move forward.

You have opened a new library.

You have made plans to redevelop your business district and to build a bridge across the Chaudière.

You have pledged to bring back the Musi-Café.

You are dressing your wounds, as neighbours and as a town.

But your recovery is likely the work of several lifetimes.

For how can a child ever truly recover from the loss of a mother or a father?

How can a parent replace a child, or brothers and sisters make up for the loss of a sibling?

How can friends ever be forgotten?

And so today, with the tragedy that befell this town and its people still fresh in all hearts, I would like to present to you— the first responders and citizens of Lac-Mégantic and the surrounding area—the Governor General’s Commendation for Outstanding Service.

Please accept this honour as an expression of the deep sympathy all Canadians feel for the pain you have endured, and of our tremendous admiration for the courage you have displayed in the face of unspeakable horror; for the compassion you have shown to ease each other’s unimaginable suffering; and for the determination you have expressed to recover, repair and rebuild your lives and the town you love.

And although you did not wish for it, you are and will forever remain a brilliant example of that ultimate virtue—you were at your best when things were at their worst.