Address by the Prime Minister to the Graduates of a Basic Infantry Soldier Course at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright

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Introduction

Thank you very much for your warm welcome and the privilege of being with you today.

I am honoured to be a receiving officer at your graduation ceremony here at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

This day represents an exciting and proud moment for your family, for your friends and, especially, for you.

As Prime Minister, I can also say that this day represents an exciting and proud moment for Canada.

Canada’s military history

By answering the call of the Canadian military, you are continuing a tradition of service that has made Canada the strong, united and independent nation it is today,

As well as a powerful vehicle for freedom, democracy and human rights in a dangerous world.

Today, you will also begin writing your own chapter in the history of the Canadian military.

Adding to the legacy of generations of Canadian soldiers who have served our country with pride and honour.

In the First World War, soldiers just like you broke through the seemingly impenetrable German lines and took Vimy Ridge.

And in the Second World War, on D-Day, the Canadian army took Juno beach in the Battle of Normandy.

The first Canadian army went on to lead the allies in the liberation of Holland from the Nazis – an effort for which Dutch citizens remain deeply grateful to this day.

In these and numerous other moments in our history, never once did these Canadians flinch in the face of enemy onslaught.

In so enduring, they showed the stuff of a country that is strong, united, independent and free.

Whether it has been liberating Europe from the forces of totalitarianism, rescuing fellow citizens from natural disaster,

Or keeping the peace and establishing freedom, democracy and human rights around the world,

This is the legacy you will carry forward.

Like generations before you, you have responded to a call – the call of military service.

And I believe that military service is the highest calling of citizenship, not because you are ready to die for your country, though every soldier is prepared to do that.

No, it is the highest calling of citizenship because you are ready to live for your country.

And Canada’s Armed Forces personnel remain what they’ve always been – quite simply the best and the most highly motivated service people in the world.

The Canadian military’s role in Afghanistan

When I was in Afghanistan recently, I witnessed first-hand the heroic efforts of our troops

Who are serving Canada, the international community and the Afghan people with courage and honour.

Recently I visited Afghanistan, a place where many of you will likely serve in the near future.

I met Canadian forces personnel in the barracks and camps of Kandahar province,

And reviewed efforts to take the countryside from the hands of terrorists and drug traffickers and to replace mine fields with farmers’ fields.

I toured the base military hospital, where a wide range of diagnostics and treatment are provided, not just to the military, but to Afghan civilians as well.

I saw the provincial reconstruction team, where public works projects are being coordinated, Afghan personnel trained and civil society rebuilt.

I opened our new embassy in Kabul where, with the cooperation of our allies and the world community, the strategies are planned that now allow millions of Afghan adults to vote,

Afghan children to attend school and Afghan women to live with basic human rights.

Each and every victory in that dangerous country occurs only because young men and women like yourselves back up our values by providing security and risking their lives.

They deliver humanitarian assistance, demonstrate international leadership and defend our national interests in a dangerous world.

That is the type of military all Canadians can be proud of – the military that you are joining.

I see that the Taliban has said publicly they don’t think we have the stomach to stay in Afghanistan.

I hear there are some in this country who believe our commitments are not worth sacrifice.

But I know you think differently.

You are soldiers.  Citizens.  Leaders.

Leaders don’t sit in the bleachers.

Leaders don’t carp from the sidelines.

Leaders don’t cut and run at the first sign of trouble.

Leaders stand for values.

Leaders see the mission through.

Leaders succeed - as our Canadian military always has and, as the carriers of that legacy, so will you.

Conclusion

In closing, I would like to congratulate all the graduates in attendance today.

As previous graduates will tell you, it is an honour to serve one’s country.

I have no doubt that, like those generations of soldiers who came before, you will continue to stand up for Canada’s interests and Canada’s values at home and abroad with resolve and courage.

I, like all Canadians, look forward to great things from you in the years to come.

Thank you.

God bless Canada.