Premier Pays Tribute to Military and Their Families
PREMIER'S OFFICE--Premier Pays Tribute to Military and Their Families
Premier John Hamm today conveyed special recognition to Canada's military personnel.
During ceremonies at the Halifax dockyard marking the departure of the Canadian naval task force to the Arabian Sea, the premier expressed gratitude on behalf of Nova Scotians to Canadian Armed Forces personnel and their families. More than 1,000 of the committed personnel are Nova Scotia residents.
"Today, we look to them, and the families that support them, to preserve our way of life," said the premier. "We can all take pride in the fact that Nova Scotians are ready and able to make a contribution on a global scale to ensure justice is done and to restore national and international security."
Premier Hamm noted the province's long military history, particularly in Halifax. The fortress on the Halifax Citadel, completed in 1856, has been a witness to Canada's participation in numerous global wars and conflicts.
"In the words of one unidentified officer who served at the Citadel, it is 'the last view of the country for so many thousands outward bound and the first landmark to those who returned,'" concluded the premier. "It will be here to greet the members of the Canadian Forces on their return, as will we."
The following is the full text of Premier Hamm's remarks.
Thank you.
Welcome Prime Minister Chretien, Your Honour, Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman, distinguished guests.
On behalf of Nova Scotians I want to convey a very special recognition today on the crew members of the HMCS Charlottetown, the HMCS Iroquois, the HMCS Preserver, and air detachments from 12 Wing Shearwater, their loved ones and friends.
As well we are here to honour the crew of HMCS Halifax, which is already en route to the Arabian Sea, and welcome to their families.
As Nova Scotians ... as Canadians ... we are also suffering from the impact of the horrific attack on the American people on September 11th.
The Halifax Citadel, completed 145 years ago is once again a witness to our capital's history as a military city, a city that has always been home to members of the Canadian Forces prepared to protect the security of our nation.
In the words of one unidentified officer who served at the Citadel, it is "the last view of the country for so many thousands outward bound and the first landmark to those who returned."
It will be here to greet the members of the Canadian Forces on their return, as will we.
Perhaps none of us understands as well as military personnel the costs, personal and financial to preserve and protect our system of democracy, justice, equality and religious freedom.
Today we look to them, and the families that support them to preserve our way of life.
We can all take pride in the fact that our province, that Nova Scotians are ready and able to make a contribution on a global scale ... to ensure justice is done ... to restore national and international security.
All Nova Scotians, indeed all Canadians thank you. We are grateful to those leaving today.
We are grateful to the wives and husbands who will carry a heavy burden in their absence.
We are grateful to the sons and daughters who will miss out on part of their childhood.
We are grateful for the sacrifice of the mothers and fathers and their worries over coming weeks.
Today we are sad. But we are also strong. We are confident. We are proud.
On behalf of all Nova Scotians, God speed and God bless all of you.
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