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CFB Trenton, Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I would like to start by telling you how much I wanted to be with you today.
You are about to join your comrades in Afghanistan to take part in security and reconstruction efforts alongside Afghan and international forces.
I know that you are driven by a spirit of solidarity.
I also know how determined you are that the people of Afghanistan have access to freedom, that children grow, that women be entitled to education and health services, and that Afghans finally express themselves without fear.
As commander-in-chief, I have had many opportunities to see the depth of your commitment, and I respect it greatly.
It is a unique and immense privilege for me to be able to listen to you, to support you and to be with you.
Even in difficult moments, like this afternoon, at the ceremony to repatriate Sergeant Prescott Shipway of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, who was stationed in Shilo, Manitoba.
Sergeant Shipway was always true to his motto, “Never let a comrade down,” and courageously demonstrated this in 2006 during an incident similar to the one that, this time, cost him his life.
Today, let us salute his heroism, his generous soul and spirit, his leadership, and let us salute the loyalty that binds you to one another, that sustains you, no matter what the circumstances.
I carry each and every one of you in my heart, which is why it is so important to me to support your families and loved ones as well, who will worry about you while you are gone and will have to manage without you for the duration of your mission.
What helps them, I am sure, is the tremendous respect they have for you, which they show through their tireless support.
I am deeply moved to be able to stand beside you.
While you are serving in Afghanistan, never doubt for one second the respect that all Canadians have for you, knowing the risks you take, the work you do each and every day and the sacrifices you make in the name of justice and democracy.
I will never forget what I saw and heard during my visit to Afghanistan last year. I saw your absolute commitment, your sense of duty, your courage, how much you want to make a difference in that country and for the world. I heard the words of humanitarian workers, grateful for your support on the ground to ensure that reconstruction efforts are successful. Without your help, nothing would be possible. Without security, nothing is possible.
Please share this message with your comrades who are already there.
I am, we all are, very proud of you.