Rideau Hall, Thursday, December 5, 2013

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It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to this recognition of bravery here at Rideau Hall.

The accounts that you hold in your hands, the citations we will hear, tell one cohesive story, even if each individual one is different. It is a story of compassion, of courage, of the value of life itself.

In Canada, we have venerated bravery dating back many centuries, to a time even before Confederation. Looking to more modern times, we are still celebrating champions, such as those who risked their lives to save people in flood-ravaged Alberta over the summer. And today, we have all of you to thank.

With this ceremony, we add yours to the pantheon of Canadian bravery stories. 

Each of you being honoured here today has done something remarkable. You saw someone in trouble and you helped, risking injury and your own lives in the process. In some cases, sadly, it did not turn out as we all wish it had. We mourn those who cannot be here, while at the same time remembering their devotion to others.

We record and honour all your actions because we are inspired by them; because they tell us something about our country and our people that we aspire to.

I am reminded of what Thomas King said in the 2003 Massey Lecture, entitled The Truth About Stories. “The truth about stories is that that’s all we are.”

When we tell your stories—of bravery and heroism—we are telling our collective story as well, the story of Canada as a nation of people who care for the well-being of others.

The telling and retelling of your story will encourage others to be brave, to show courage in the face of nearly insurmountable obstacles. It is an uplifting message, and one that we need to convey.

That is why, whenever I present these awards, I listen intently to each story. I can then share them in turn with Canadians across the country.

When we hear on the news about crime and tragedy—when we are brought down by stories that run contrary to what we aspire to as a society, we need to change our focus.

To quote Thomas King again: “Want a different ethic? Tell a different story.”

And we look to Canadians like you—who have acted in service to others, in some cases to complete strangers—whose tales encourage us to be better, to be more generous and compassionate.

I am proud to present you with these honours and to listen to your experiences. Yours are powerful examples of great compassion, and of how meaningful each and every life truly is.

Thank you for what you have done.

By:IANS