October 6, 2006

by Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean

I often hear — rather ironically — that I spend a lot of my time handing out medals. But behind each of these medals and the many Governor General’s awards that I have presented is a wish: to recognize and thus encourage the excellence, engagement, talent, creativity, courage, merit, and boundless generosity that thousands of men and women across Canada demonstrate every day. It is a way to honour achievements that serve to inspire the rest of us. I am reminded of that teacher, so full of passion, who brought history to life for her students through the street names in their city; or the man who has dedicated his life to raising funds to help families in need; the woman who tirelessly provides comfort to the dying and their families; the young people who saved the passengers of a burning vehicle from certain death; the distinguished researcher, the talented writer, the veteran journalist, the businessman and patron of the arts, I could go on and on. Every action is to be admired, every deed deserving of our acknowledgement, for it may inspire others to do the same.

What I would like, however, is for us to step up our efforts to draw out even more meritorious actions. I would like to see an even greater representation of our society’s unsung heroes and heroines. We can do this if each and every one of us takes the time to notice and tell others about what is happening in our neighbourhood, city, community. Perhaps as you discover all that your fellow citizens are accomplishing by simply getting involved, you may feel inspired to follow their lead. It’s one way to stave off indifference.