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Rideau Hall, Friday, June 2, 2006
As many of you no doubt know, today is the anniversary of the Battle of Ridgeway (June 2, 1866).
For any guests here today who might not be familiar with this event in Canadian history, it was an engagement fought near Fort Erie, Ontario, in 1866, pitting Fenian irregulars against members of the Canadian militia.
It was one of the Raids launched by the Fenian Brotherhood as part of their ill-conceived plan to conquer Canada as a stepping-stone to fighting Great Britain.
While the Battle of Ridgeway resulted in a defeat for the inexperienced Canadian militiamen, Canada’s forces eventually turned back the Fenians and put an end to their star-crossed adventure.
I mention Ridgeway today because, while they are largely forgotten now, the Fenian Raids caused considerable alarm at the time, and convinced many people of the need for Confederation.
Given our deep-rooted commitment to peace, Canadians often tend to downplay the role the military played in the formation of our country… that attitude does not accurately reflect our history.
You and I know that military considerations have influenced our history throughout the ages.
Think of the introduction of the Quebec Act of 1774, on the eve of the American War of Independence, or how Canada’s sense of nationhood was forged in the cauldron of Vimy Ridge.
And we would not even be here in Ottawa were it not for this city’s excellent strategic location!
Our Canadian Forces have always been a central element in our society. And they have always been characterized by the highest standards of excellence in terms of training, ability and results.
Another element that has always been a hallmark of the men and women serving in Canada’s forces is their commitment to the ideals upon which this country is founded.
Canadians are committed to the principles of democracy and respect for human rights, and our military have fought to uphold and advance these principles.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Suez Crisis, an event that led Canada to propose a UN peacekeeping force to defuse the tense and dangerous situation.
Since then, our Canadian Forces have participated in many UN missions, in Cyprus, Congo, Bosnia, and elsewhere around the globe, to restore peace and foster greater understanding among peoples.
And today, while the nature of the missions may have changed, the values have remained the same.
They are the same values that Canadian women and men are fighting for in Afghanistan, as they work to support the establishment of a new, stable, democratic state.
They are the values that underpin 15 other missions throughout the world, where members of our Canadian Forces are working hard to make our world a better place.
And those values are personified by all of you here today.
Indeed, among all the courageous, dedicated people serving in our forces, you have been recognized for your distinctive merit and the exceptional service you have demonstrated.
As commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces and chancellor of the Order of Military Merit, I am pleased and honoured to invest you as Commanders, Officers and Members of this prestigious Order.
A ceremony such as this is especially significant at the present time, as all Canadians are called upon to recognize, for the first time in many years, how tragic and yet how necessary a military struggle can be.
As members of the global community, and as a prosperous and stable country blessed with every resource imaginable, we Canadians have a responsibility to help our neighbours.
It is true in cases of disaster relief, and it is also true when a country is attempting to establish the institutions of sound governance after decades of war and strife.
As I invest you in this Order, I want to underscore the profound respect that we Canadians have for each and every one of our soldiers, our sailors, our airmen and women in the Canadian Forces.
We are grateful for your selfless dedication to duty. We grieve the loss of your comrades. And we hope that you are able to accomplish your missions and return safely to your homes.
On behalf of all your fellow citizens, I thank you.