October 16, 2024
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Welcome to Rideau Hall.
We are gathered today on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people, who have cared for this land for thousands of years.
As governor general and commander-in-chief, I’m honoured to host the launch of the National Poppy Campaign.
Every year, from the end of October until Remembrance Day, tens of millions of Canadians wear a poppy.
We honour those who served, those who are serving today, and those who never made it home.
We are deeply grateful to members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their work and sacrifice through generations.
At defining moments—from the two World Wars and deployments in Bosnia and Afghanistan, to many deterrence, interdiction and peacekeeping missions around the world—our personnel in uniform have defended our way of life.
We owe them for the security, freedom and democracy that we enjoy today.
This year, I had a particularly touching moment with a Canadian veteran, one that will always stay with me.
While marking the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary in June, I had the honour of awarding a King Charles the Third Coronation Medal to General Richard Rohmer.
As a reconnaissance pilot, he flew 135 missions in the Second World War. He took part in D-Day and in the battles of Normandy, Belgium and Holland.
As I looked in his eyes and shook his hand, I was very moved. At 100 years old, he continues to remind us how historical events like D-Day are tied to our lives, even 80 years later.
I encourage all Canadians, especially young Canadians, to learn about the stories of admirable veterans like General Rohmer.
About your stories.
It is my hope that perhaps, in learning from history, we can recognize the path that led us to war and conflict, and avoid taking it again in the future.
I commend the Royal Canadian Legion for their innovative efforts to commemorate the lives of our veterans and to reach more Canadians through the Poppy Stories initiative.
To all the veterans with us today, to those across the country, and to every serving member: words cannot express how thankful I am for everything you have done—and are doing—for our country.
Whether at home or abroad, whether in times of war or peace, you have been there for us.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwetch. Nakurmiik.