Rideau Hall, Friday, June 3, 2016

It’s a pleasure to welcome all of you to Rideau Hall.

Whenever I meet with members of the military, I’m always so impressed by your commitment.

It’s not just a job to you. It’s a way of life.

You take on the challenges presented to you because you take to heart the motto of the Order of Military Merit: OFFICIUM ANTE COMMODUM—“Service Before Self.”    

Perhaps I can add to that statement: Service before self, and on behalf of others.

I’ve seen first-hand how you’re helping Canadians at home and people around the world.

I’ve also seen how you take care of each other.

You do so because the cause and the company are very good.

The cause? Serving Canada.

The company? Your comrades-in-arms, who would risk their own lives for yours and whom you lean on for support in the most difficult of circumstances.

This is the essence of your second, extended family. The military family.

All of you share at least one thing in common:

You have all answered the call to service.

And you have done so with extraordinary skill and dedication.

Wherever you go, you defend our fundamental values, such as tolerance, diversity, fairness and equality.

You represent our country with professionalism, leadership and courage.

You inspire others to achieve greatness in all that they do.

Today, we recognize your outstanding service with this investiture into the Order of Military Merit. Today, you join the ranks of women and men in uniform who have achieved great things on behalf of Canada.

I also want to recognize and applaud warmly the role your non-military family plays in your success.

I know that many of you have received great support from your parents, husbands, wives and children. They have sacrificed so much so that you can do your duty.

This honour pays tribute to all that you have done, but it is also a way to publicly say thank you, both to you and to your families. 

Thank you for your service. 

Thank you for your sacrifice. 

Thank you for your steadfast devotion to our ideals.

Our country is fortunate to have your skill and talent. May you continue to do what you have done throughout your careers: bring honour to Canada.

Congratulations on this deserved honour.