Message
to Our Troops and Veterans for the National Day of Honour
Rob Nicholson, Minister of
National Defence
We are proud of you. In fact, our Government wants to make that
point to all of the people who have served in Afghanistan. That we and all Canadians join with you in
thanking you for your sacrifice and your courage. And so, this has been a great success and as
this mission has come to a close, you have made a difference in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a better place today because
of the work and the effort of the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and for
that we are very, very proud and we thank you.
What is the National Day of
Honour?
Our Government believes in
international security and democratic values and nothing that we have done in the
last number of years underscores that more than the contribution that Canadian
Armed Forces have made in Afghanistan.
So it gives an opportunity for Canadians to come together to honour the
more than 40,000 Canadians who served in our Armed Forces and who contributed
to the success of the mission in Afghanistan.
How can Canadians from across
Canada participate in saluting our troops on May 9th?
There’s a number of ways that
Canadians can salute our troops on May 9th.
There are parades taking place at the military bases across Canada. There’s of course the Soldier on Relay that
will be going through communities from Trenton to Ottawa. As well the Afghan Memorial Vigil will be
travelling across Canada. And of course
there are the parades and activities that will be taking place in Ottawa on May
9th. This provides us all with an
opportunity to come together across Canada to honour and salute those over
40,000 Canadians who participated in the success in Afghanistan. This is our opportunity to recognize their
courage and sacrifice. |
