Québec, Quebec, Friday, September 5, 2014

It gives me great pleasure to be here at this gathering of honorary colonels of the Royal Canadian Air Force, to celebrate what you do and to highlight its importance.

First, though, I would like to tell you a story.

When I was born, Canada was already embroiled in the Second World War, fighting for freedom and ideals that I could not begin to comprehend for many years. As I got older, and attended schools in the United States, Britain and here at home, I became more aware of how fortunate Canadians are to live in relative peace and security. But that did not shield my eyes from conflicts happening around the world or dim my senses to the role that Canadians continued to play.

I came to appreciate the service provided by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. But it was not until I became governor general and assumed the post of commander-in-chief that I began to understand it.

I share this with you because, like me, some of you have no military background, or if you do, you entered entirely new territory when you accepted the position of honorary colonel. However, all of you share a passion for those who serve our country on a daily basis.

Moreover, you have shown that you can be trusted with this vital posting.

The position of honorary colonel has been a Canadian tradition since the birth of our nation. Honorary colonels act as a link between those in uniform and the general public. They speak on the members’ behalf when they cannot do so themselves, and they guard our country’s proud military traditions whenever they can.  

In addition, they defend the values to which the members of our military subscribe—the values of duty, honour, loyalty and service.

All of you here—those with a military history and those without one—have proven yourselves as dutiful, honourable, and loyal to the RCAF, just as the members of the RCAF have been to our country. And you have served them faithfully and vigorously.

Allow me to speak for a moment about those who serve in the RCAF. They share a proud history, certainly, but more than that, they protect us in very diverse ways. They do so by serving in combat missions, naturally, but also by patrolling the seas and our ice flows, by rescuing people in danger and by shoring up community support during times of crises.

They are answering the call to service, as are all of you in your own way.

You work on behalf of the units and wings you represent in order to lift spirits and to honour their actions.

You also shine a light on the contributions made by military families, the loved ones who support husbands and wives, sons and daughters. Their struggles are unique and the nation is grateful for what they do.

No matter what you do or where you go, you take members’ stories with you—stories of valour, bravery and compassion. Stories of recent successes and past events that have made them proud.

Already this year, we have told some of our veterans’ stories by marking a number of military anniversaries, including the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the 70th anniversary of D-Day. And, in just a few short days, we will mark the 75th anniversary of Canada’s entrance into the Second World War.

As honorary colonels, you know the role that the RCAF has played in our history, and in our victories, and I know you will continue to do your part to mark these important milestones.

RCAF members, past and present, serve our country proudly. We, in turn, serve them, by reminding Canadians that maintaining peace, freedom and security is never easy.

In our democratic society, everyone has something to give. So I would like to thank you for finding your way to give back to Canada.

In a few minutes, I will hear from you. What have your experiences been? What are your stories? How have you shown your support for the RCAF as honorary colonels?

Most importantly, I want to know, how can I, as commander-in-chief, be of service to you? What can I do to help you fulfill your role as honorary colonels to the best of your ability?

Before we answer these questions, however, it is my honour to announce that in a moment, I will present a special scroll to Loreena McKennitt, naming her the honorary colonel for the entire Royal Canadian Air Force, only the 3rd person in our country’s history to hold this position. I congratulate her and I am grateful for her years of dedication and service to the RCAF.

Thank you.