Hello everyone
et bonjour tout le monde.
2020 has been a difficult year.
However, what made it better
for many was you,
the members of
the Canadian Armed Forces.
Your professionalism
and unwavering commitment
to serve Canada during these
trying times was and remains
a noble example of selfless
service to our fellow citizens.
For this, and all that you do
for our country,
the Canadian Armed Forces Chief
and I want to express
our sincerest gratitude to you,
and in particular,
to your families.
While this holiday period
will be challenging
for all Canadians,
we should not let COVID-19
diminish the opportunity
to pause, reflect and appreciate
both our loved ones
and the country we call home.
Find a way to connect online,
send a message to a friend
or a family member.
Be creative, reach out,
but please do so safely.
For those who can take a break,
this is a good opportunity
to break the chains
of COVID-19 transmission.
As a military force, we must
accept that we continue to be
in the fight against COVID-19.
We must maintain a healthy force
to be ever prepared
to serve Canadians when
called upon by our government.
To that end,
we must continue to practice
the health protocols
we have in place
and, while demanding, limit
our physical social engagements.
This will no doubt be difficult
during the holiday period,
but each and every member
must do their part:
we must remain mission focused!
To those deployed overseas
and to those that duty has
taken away from home,
we are thinking of you
and your families.
Know that you are
in our thoughts
and that the nation is grateful.
To each and to all, we wish you
a joyous and peaceful Christmas
and we look,
with steadfast optimism,
to a new, bright
and truly happy new year.
To the entire
Canadian Armed Forces team
Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year.
Stay safe, stay healthy,
stay mission focused,
and stay frosty.