June 30, 2025
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I welcome you, and would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation.
The peoples of this Nation have lived on this territory for millennia.
Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land.
By acknowledging their enduring connection to this land, we honour their stories and continue to foster reconciliation through understanding.
As Governor General and His Majesty’s representative in Canada, I extend a warm welcome to delegates from across the Commonwealth.
Some of you have travelled from Africa, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean to take part in this conference, the League’s thirty-fifth.
This year is the 80th anniversary of the end of The Second World War.
Most of the countries that today make up the Commonwealth of Nations fought together in that war, and in more recent conflicts.
More than 1 million Canadians served in uniform in the Second World War.
Half of them deployed overseas, on land, at sea, and in the air.
For 104 years the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League has kept its promise to remember and support those who defended the Commonwealth.
This great unity of spirit is a very precious legacy.
Many of you will be aware that just last month, His Majesty King Charles the Third visited Ottawa.
His Majesty delivered the Speech from the Throne to formally open the 45th Parliament.
A message was sent on behalf of all delegates of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League to His Majesty King Charles the Third, their patron.
In response, His Majesty the King has sent this message.
“Please convey my warmest thanks to the members of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League for their loyal greetings sent on the occasion of their 35th Commonwealth Conference hosted by The Royal Canadian Legion.
As Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, I much appreciate your message and your continued support.
I much appreciate your message and your continued support.
In return, I send my warmest good wishes to all those who are present for a memorable and successful conference.
His Majesty King Charles the Third.”
To the Royal Canadian Legion, its members and volunteers, to those who have travelled thousands of kilometres to join us, Thank you.
The Royal Commonwealth ex-Services League binds us together, across the 48 Nations it represents and serves.
I am immensely proud to commemorate the work you do to help the veterans to whom we owe so much.
Thank you.