Happy Holidays 2020 from the Minister of National Defence
Video / December 24, 2020
Transcript
The holiday season is usually a time to gather with family and friends…
To enjoy good food…
And to share in the warmth and joy of being with those who are closest to us.
This year, we’ll still enjoy many of the same traditions, but we’ve had to get more creative.
We’re moving our celebrations online, and sending our love from a distance so that we can stay safe.
For many of our Canadian Armed Forces members and their families, it’s an especially difficult time, in an already difficult year.
It’s never easy to be separated from loved ones who can’t come home for the holidays.
And like all Canadians, the Defence Team has had to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You have also had to grapple with the loss of 9 of your brothers and sisters in arms. Brave members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Canada.
But despite the challenges that 2020 has brought, through it all, you have served Canada with pride and excellence.
You have worked from coast to coast to coast, taking care of Canadians – while putting your own health and safety at risk.
And although many of you had to adapt to a new work environment, you continue to provide critical support across the country and to our friends and allies around the globe when they need it the most.
As we celebrate this holiday season, I join all Canadians in thanking every member of the Canadian Armed Forces and the staff at the Department of National Defence for your selfless service that you give every single day.
Thank you for your resiliency throughout this difficult year.
Thank you for stepping up for Canada.
And thank you for keeping Canadians safe.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your families! Joyeux Noël et joyeuses Fêtes!