Rideau Hall, Sunday, June 25, 2017

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

And welcome as well to the brand new forecourt, complete with a new Fountain of Hope.

This is a great test of the durability of these new stones. Hundreds of soldiers and band members all marching in precision, all taking great care in what you do and how you do it.

I’ve always thought of this as Ottawa’s summer kickoff, and it’s always a rousing treat to see and hear you!

Throughout the summer, you will be here at Rideau Hall and on Parliament Hill, delighting Canadians and visitors from around the world.

You represent something exceptional to all of us.

You represent duty and honour and our values and traditions.

And you capture our imaginations with pageantry and colour. Not to mention those really cool hats!

We’re so proud of you, who serve your country, who sacrifice so much.

Many of you have done tours overseas, have been in dangerous and challenging situations. But you persevered, you did your duty and you came home. And you left the world a little better for your service.

Now, you’re called upon to perform your duties in our capital city, offering up the precision and music that are so often associated with the Canadian Armed Forces.

For almost seven years, I’ve had the privilege of being your commander-in-chief. It’s a role that has meant a great deal to me.

I’ve seen first-hand what you do and how well you do it.

I’ve met with and honoured soldiers of today and veterans of wars gone by.

I’ve met with soldiers coming home from battle and soldiers leaving home for a tour of duty. 

And I’ve met with families, those who are missing loved ones, those who have lost loved ones, those who need support and those who have supported others.

The Canadian Armed Forces is a unique and caring community and I am proud to be a part of it.

But it’s you, those who serve day in and day out, who make it such a special community.

As we continue to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, members of the Ceremonial guard will showcase the history and practises of Canada’s military to those visiting our capital city.

I hope you have a great season. 

Thank you for everything you do for our country. And thank you to all the families who joined us here today. Have a wonderful and happy summer!