STATEMENT
STEPHEN HARPER, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
On this special day, let us pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who, by their courage, skill and determination, defend our country and the values we hold dear.
We live in dangerous times where neutrality in the face of those who seek to destroy our way of life is not an option.
In the Middle East, the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) has committed unspeakable atrocities against Iraqi and Syrian civilians, targeting especially vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities.
ISIS not only threatens the people and countries in the Middle East, but by its words and actions, has directly targeted Canada and our allies.
We are proud and grateful that the Canadian Armed Forces stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies on the front lines confronting this threat, as part of the international coalition against ISIS.
Canadian Armed Forces members are also currently deployed in support of NATO assurance missions in Central and Eastern Europe.
This is part of Canada’s contribution to promoting security and stability in response to continued Russian aggression against its neighbours, including the Putin regime’s invasion of Ukraine.
As we approach the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I am reminded of the sacrifices of blood, toil, tears and sweat that generations of Canadians in uniform have made so that we can all live in a land of ordered liberty and democratic freedom.
Canadians owe our serving men and women a tremendous debt for their strength and courage.
I am exceptionally proud that this same courage and sense of duty is very much alive and on display every single day in today’s Canadian Armed Forces.
Canadians love and admire our military, as evidenced by the remarkable outpouring of affection and support in the aftermath of the deadly attacks that took the lives of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo last year.
We are also grateful for the service of Sergeant Andrew Doiron to his country and were deeply saddened by his death in northern Iraq earlier this year.
I am honoured on this special day to be able to thank all members of our military and their families for their loyal service on behalf of a grateful public.
Our Government will always ensure that Canadian Armed Forces members have the tools and the support that they need to accomplish the very difficult tasks we ask of them.
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