December 26, 2013

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, to Members of the Canadian Armed Forces

Ottawa –

I am pleased to extend season's greetings to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen of the Canadian Armed Forces.

This time of year provides us all with an opportunity to pause and to reflect on our good fortune as Canadians. I am proud to be your commander-in-chief and am grateful for the essential contributions and constant readiness of our military.

Whether deployed here at home in support of relief efforts during this year's severe flooding in Alberta, or further abroad in providing disaster assistance following the devastating typhoon in the Philippines, our men and women in uniform show unwavering dedication to helping others and to upholding our democratic values. It is a responsibility that you selflessly exercise on behalf of all Canadians throughout the year, including the holiday season.

The core military values of the Canadian Armed Forces–duty, loyalty, integrity and courage–are reflected in your indomitable spirit of determination and camaraderie. This professional ethos also means you may be called upon to serve under extremely hazardous conditions and circumstances. Recent tragic losses have reminded us of the stresses to which you are often exposed and of the subsequent mental health challenges that may result from military service. Help is available, and together, we must demonstrate a greater sense of responsibility to our men and women in uniform, both during and after active service. My thoughts and prayers are with those families and friends who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

Thank you again for your continued service and dedication. Reflect with pride on the accomplishments of this past year. May this holiday season be filled with peace and joy for the entire armed forces family.

by:news.gc.ca