Rideau Hall, Thursday, February 26, 2015

What a pleasure it is to welcome such fine men and women in uniform to Rideau Hall, the home of the people of Canada.

It’s so appropriate for us to gather here to recognize outstanding military service.

Rideau Hall is where we come together to celebrate our very best. It’s where we reaffirm our values, and where we say thank you to extraordinary Canadians.

In fact, the chandelier shining above us in this ballroom is itself a giant thank you to Canadian veterans. It was a gift from Britain to recognize Canada’s contributions in the Second World War.

Canadian veterans—your predecessors in the army, navy and air force—were at the heart of that epic struggle.

Today, we live in a highly complex and rapidly changing world, but the spirit that animates the Canadian Armed Forces remains constant.

Your dedication is something we can count on. You are among our very best.

That’s why you’re being invested into the Order of Military Merit. Its motto is OFFICIUM ANTE COMMODUM—Service Before Self.

Think about what that means for a moment.

Service Before Self. You put the well-being of your country and of your comrades-in-arms ahead of your own.

I was treated to a wonderful display of “service before self” last month, when I visited CFS Alert in the High Arctic.

Yes, we went almost all the way to the North Pole in January, during the total darkness of an Arctic winter. I’ll never forget it!

Now, we were only there for two short days, but the women and men of CFS Alert stay for much longer. They call themselves “the frozen chosen,” which gives you a sense of the great sense of camaraderie that exists there, so far from home.

Those men and women are our northern “anchor points,” and they’re doing great things for Canada.

Each of you is likewise an “anchor point”: for your units and regiments, and for Canada.

Wherever you serve and whatever your role in the forces, you show great professionalism, leadership and courage. You inspire others to do the same. You shine brightly.

That’s why you merit this honour.

I know that military service requires significant sacrifices, from yourselves and from your loved ones. But you have more than risen to the challenge, and we are so grateful. 

On behalf of all Canadians, I thank you once again for all you have done.

Congratulations on this great honour.