ARCHIVED - Canadian Army Command Team’s Statement for Mother’s Day 2019

Statement / May 12, 2019 / Project number: 19-0105

May 12, 2019

Today we celebrate our mothers and honour the women in our lives – civilian and military alike – who lead and inspire us. Their strength, courage, resiliency and dedication to frequently conflicting roles as mothers and soldiers have been an intrinsic part of our rich Canadian cultural fabric and military history for more than a century.

For over 20 years, women have proven themselves determined, capable and highly respected leaders in every facet of the Army, and this history of excellence continues today with a new generation of talented female warriors.

Women play a vital role in defending Canada’s safety and security. Armed conflict, natural disasters and humanitarian crises affect men, women, boys and girls in different ways, making the presence of women on operations essential to not only reflecting the population being protected but also enhancing the understanding of challenges faced by at-risk populations.

Serving in many countries around the world where women’s equality does not exist, our female leaders – leaders whose colour is green and gender is soldier – continue to serve as a glimpse into a potential future for those so often oppressed.

On this Mother’s Day, the Army Sergeant-Major, Chief Warrant Officer Stu Hartnell, and I ask you to join us in recognizing mothers in the Canadian Army serving both near and far for their resiliency and the incredible roles they play in shaping the lives of their own children, those in their communities and the children of conflict in places often forgotten.

Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier,
Commander, Canadian Army

Chief Warrant Officer Stu Hartnell,
Canadian Army Sergeant-Major