La Citadelle, Friday, October 3, 2014

I am honoured to welcome you to The Citadelle for the presentation of these medals for bravery and decorations for meritorious military service.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Meritorious Service Cross, Military Division.  And in fact, I am particularly pleased to salute bravery and service to Canada during a year in which we mark a number of other important military anniversaries.

The 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War are both occasions for solemn reflection and remembrance.

Therefore, in addition to recognizing your achievements today, let us take this opportunity to remember the enormous sacrifices of those who served Canada in the two world wars. And let us commit to working together as a nation and with the world to prevent such terrible conflicts from ever happening again.

The medals and decorations being presented today are among the highest honours that can be awarded to Canadians and to members of the Canadian Armed Forces. You serve with so many dedicated and deserving servicemen and women, but today we honour you for your extraordinary accomplishments.

Each of you has shown outstanding ability and determination in the exercise of your duties. In some cases, those virtues took the form of great bravery and professionalism. In others, you demonstrated excellence and great creativity in completing the task at hand.

In all instances, you answered the call to service in remarkable ways. Each of you has brought credit to Canada and to the Canadian Armed Forces.

I also want to say how deeply impressed I am by the extent to which you have showed leadership in the line of duty. You remind us that success in the Canadian Armed Forces is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of rank or station.

With these medals and decorations, your responsibility among your comrades and colleagues is now even greater. Never underestimate the power of your example to inspire others.

As governor general and commander-in-chief, I have made it my goal to help bring about a smarter, more caring Canada, where people use their talent and knowledge to improve the human condition. And I know that each of you also seeks a better world, where justice and equality prevail.

These honours are a testament to your courage, ingenuity and quiet determination, and they also extend to your families and loved ones, who in their own way have accepted the demands of service.

And so it is with great admiration that I offer my thanks and congratulations to each of you for your service and valour.

Thank you.