May 3, 2010
30 April 2010
Ottawa, Ontario
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
It's great to be here tonight.
I hope you're all enjoying yourselves.
Now before I get under way I'd like to thank the CMS and his staff for organizing this evening's event.
It's been a smashing success and a real credit to the Navy…
…as well as a great way to celebrate this Centennial milestone.
This anniversary is something all Canadians should be proud of…
…and coming from Nova Scotia as I do, this is something I can relate to on a personal level.
Growing up where I did, the sea – and those who work on it – are never far from mind.
Some of you know my grandfather served in the Navy during the First World War…
He made sure I had plenty of seafaring stories while I grew up.
And he'd be proud to see me in such fine company tonight!
Now, things have come a long way since his day and even further since the Naval Service Bill came into effect 100 years ago next Tuesday.
Our young country made a bold choice in 1910…
…to assert its independence…
…and to build its own navy.
But I don't think that anyone could have foreseen then what would come from that decision.
Just look around.
You're surrounded by some of the finest men and women this country has to offer.
When the Navy was founded in 1910 it had about as many officers and men as there are in this room tonight.
And now there are thousands of you.
You proudly wear the uniform and fly the flag from coast to coast to coast, and throughout the seven seas.
Your exploits are many and varied…
…and I've been privileged to see you carrying some of them out.
From the deck of HMCS Winnipeg deployed half a world away in the Gulf of Aden, I was able to watch as you safeguarded the security of the world's oceans upon which Canada's prosperity so deeply depends.
From my seat at the Olympic opening ceremony in Vancouver, I saw the results of your efforts as you worked quietly and professionally behind the scenes…
…you supported civilian authorities in securing the Olympics so that Canadians – and our guests from around the world – could enjoy the Games in safety.
And last month I was awed as I saw first-hand the scope of the destruction in Haiti – and the magnitude of the CF's response.
You brought life-saving help to the people of Haiti in their hour of need.
You have a lot to be proud of.
And Canadians recognize that.
But they also recognize the proud tradition you're continuing.
They remember the men and women who have gone before you…
…who have worked, and fought, and sometimes died for their shipmates and for Canada.
On Sunday we will commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic.
And on that day I would ask that we remember not only those who were lost during that struggle…
…but that we also bear in mind the legacy left by Canadian sailors through two world wars, the Korean War, the Cold War, peacekeeping operations, the Gulf War, and right through to today.
Grateful Canadians are taking steps to recognize your service and the contributions of those who have gone before you.
Like Irving Shipbuilding who will be repainting HMCS SACKVILLE – a tangible reminder of the Navy's history – free of charge.
Or citizens who are sending care packages to sailors serving on ships which bear their city's name.
You have the support and the admiration of a proud Canada.
Whether you serve at sea or on land, beyond the horizon or in plain sight of your compatriots, they remember you and thank you for your service.
And so do I.
Thank you and enjoy your evening.
