Jean at CFB Esquimalt, Thanks Forces

[FiveParadox]

Yesterday Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, during her premier visit to British Columbia as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada, visited the Canadian Forces Base, Esquimalt, and sailed aboard Her Majesty's Canadian Ship, Calgary.

Her Excellency addressed the Canadian Armed Forces, thanking them for their dedication and service to Canada and its citizens, and for dedicating themselves to these causes, even where the gravity of their missions are sometimes unappreciated by the everyday citizen. She expressed pride in having the right to wear the Order of Military Merit (since Her Excellency is the Chancellor and Commander of the Order).

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
Speech on the Occasion of a Visit to CFB Esquimalt and Sailing Aboard the HMCS Calgary

Esquimalt, Tuesday, March 7, 2006

As your Commander in Chief – a role I am most honoured to perform – I understand that my participation in today’s rescue exercise is a unique privilege. I have the opportunity to experience something that is usually shared only with those who commit their lives to serving in Canada’s armed forces.

But I was born on an island – surrounded by water and torn apart by conflict – in a country that would benefit greatly from the presence of peacekeepers… particularly women and men like you who understand in a profound way the privileges of peace, and are dedicated to the task of sharing it with others.

Click here to read the entire speech, in English.
Cliquetez içi pour lire la parole entière, en français.

:?: Sources
Click here for the Web site of the Governor General of Canada.

:!: (Revision) : Resolved a BBCode exception (incorrect URL).