Rideau Hall, Wednesday, March 26, 2008

It is always a pleasure and an honour, as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces, to find myself in the company of men and women who are fulfilling a noble  commitment—out of a sense of duty, out of a desire to make a contribution, out of an unwavering conviction.

You know, this is only the third time that we have presented military valour decorations since they were created in 1993.

For thirteen years, neither the Victoria Cross, nor the Star nor Medal of Military Valour has been awarded.

In fact, for the first time in many years, Canada is having to face the difficult and painful reality of armed conflict.

Alongside NATO’s allied forces, you work tirelessly in an effort to restore peace and stability to a country that has been ravaged by decades of insecurity and violence.

Canada’s military involvement in Afghanistan has thrust you into the deadliest combat situations since the Korean War.

And no matter what the circumstances, you must draw upon your courage, calm, initiative and ingenuity, but also on your compassion. Because you are there to help men, women, children and communities.

This is what will determine the success of this mission.

It is often in the most difficult situations that we show our true worth.

You are absolute proof of this.

You have shown the world what you are made of.

You were wounded and continued to lead your troops without the loss of a single life.

You were under heavy enemy fire and administered first aid to a seriously wounded crewmate.

You saved the life of a crewmember trapped in a vehicle that had struck an explosive device, despite the risk of fire, explosion and enemy attack.

During an ambush that split up your platoon, you found a way to lead your troops so that they could defend themselves and engage the enemy.

Those of you receiving a military valour decoration today embody one aspect of the Canadian Forces tradition: the willingness to risk your own lives to protect others.

Those receiving meritorious service decorations this morning represent another, equally important facet of that tradition, which has earned the Canadian Forces its reputation around the world: excellence, commitment, and exemplary professionalism.

Many of the people we are honouring this morning have distinguished themselves through their exceptional leadership and effectiveness in combat and response operations.

Others had a hand in training Canadian and Afghan forces, were directly involved in reconstruction efforts, secured zones and tended to the wounded.

Not only have you been involved in operations and missions, as is your duty, but you have also taken the lead, using your skills and talents to serve the Forces, your country, the international community, and the broader human family to which we all belong.

How many soldiers and civilians have been put out of harm’s way, have been saved, have been protected, how many have survived because of your actions?

I believe there is no greater honour than knowing with absolute certainty that your efforts have had an impact on the lives of so many.

I have stood alongside grieving families at CFB Trenton on several occasions, as recently as just last week. It’s heartbreaking.

These families have shared their pain with me, but they have also told me how much they respect the choice made by their loved one, whose life was cut short in Afghanistan.

I think of all those parents, spouses, children and friends who have been spared the pain of such a tragic loss every time I hear that one of you has saved the life of one of your troops, every time I hear of the success of one of your missions.

And each time that your efforts bear fruit and help to improve the lives of Afghan citizens, I think of the women, men and children I met over there, whose daily lives are a lesson in courage. And I am once again filled with hope.

In Afghanistan, every soldier and humanitarian worker told me that there can be no development without security, and stability is the result of education, the result of establishing infrastructure, the result of improving living conditions, and getting economies in order. And the key to this is time.

I met recently with a group of Afghan women parliamentarians who were of this same opinion.

Your task is so important, and on behalf of all Canadians, I thank you and want you to know how very proud of you I am. How very proud of you we all are.

I also want to thank your families. Your brothers and sisters. Your parents. Your partners. Your children. Your loved ones.

They have to support you, no matter what. And learn to adapt. And live with the knowledge that you could leave at any moment and may never come back.

These are tremendous sacrifices that they agree to make. We can never overstate their contribution to the success of the Forces and its missions on behalf of Canada and a democratic ideal.

I have no doubt that history will remember the vital role you have played in making a difference and in bringing peace, justice and stability to our world.

Thank you, so very much.