Presentation of Decorations for Bravery

Rideau Hall, Thursday, February 4, 2010

In these times when our sisters and brothers in Haiti are once again in the midst of a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions, with human suffering so widespread that the images and reports of the devastation are unbearable, you, my friends, renew our hope and turn our feelings of helplessness into a resolve to act.

Each of your stories reminds us that it is often in the most trying of times that the noblest human qualities come to the fore.

Look at how Canada, how the United States of America, indeed the whole world, is rallying around Haiti right now and increasing aid to show the people of Haiti that they are not alone, to help them mourn their lost ones, to help ease the burden of the living and to help rebuild their lives.

To my mind, the greatest expression of solidarity, compassion and altruism is the bravery that you have shown.

You rushed into a burning house, dove into turbulent waters, braved thin ice, entered a car that was about to explode, stood up to an armed man.

And these are just some examples.

You did not hesitate for even a moment to risk your own life to save others in danger. I cannot think of any act more worthy of praise and recognition. Such an act is as precious as life itself.

The acts of bravery for which you are being recognized today restore our faith in humanity, showing us that we are capable of great things when we listen to our hearts.

My hope is that we can all be inspired by your example and find our own courage to face the challenges in our day-to-day lives and in our world.

And my hope also is that all the children, women and men living through desperate times, in Haiti, here and elsewhere, will find, within themselves and in the solidarity we show them, the courage to take back life, the courage to find hope again and the courage to move forward.

Thank you.