May 23, 2007

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Minister O'Connor, thank you, General Grant, and first of all, thanks to all of you.

Thank you for your warm welcome. And thank you for your unwavering service here in Afghanistan.

Thank you for proving to Canadians and to people around the world that when Canada makes a commitment, Canada follows through.

And when we all work together--Canada, NATO and Afghanistan--we achieve real results. Perhaps no one appreciates that more than those who appreciate you most. Just over a week ago, I had the pleasure of joining many of your family and friends and loved ones at CFB Petawawa for one of the Red Friday rallies. It was my second Red Friday rally.

And I have to tell you, standing on that stage, I saw men and women, boys and girls, civilians and military personnel, all united in their love for our country, their belief in this mission, and their appreciation for you. The finest men and women in uniform in the world.

I saw thousands of people come together to say with one united voice that Canada is proud of you, and we are behind you.

And it is a timely affirmation for the many unsung heroes here, in Afghanistan. Not just Canadians but all the NATO and allied soldiers who are here with the United Nations, helping the Afghan people reclaim and rebuild their war-ravaged country.

I don't have to tell you the story, the link between Afghanistan and the attacks of 9/11, the oppression and brutality endured under the Taliban and the risk that terrorism will come home if we don't confront it here.

You also know the progress we have made since the beginning of the mission over five years ago.

This progress hasn't all been achieved by men and women in uniform. But none of it could have been achieved unless you had put yourselves on the line.

Because of you, the people of Afghanistan have seen the institution of democratic elections, the stirring of human rights and freedoms for women, the construction of schools, healthcare facilities and the basic infrastructure of a functional economy.

Still, you know that your work is not complete. You know that we cannot just put down our arms and hope for peace. You know that we can't set arbitrary deadlines and simply wish for the best. And you must also know that your hard work is making a real difference to real people and their families.

Consider a letter recently sent from a young girl in Canada to your comrades with the Royal Canada Dragoons patrolling the Pakistan border about 100 kilometres southeast of here. Decorated with coloured hearts, this letter from a youngster born in Kabul tells the story of a family who fled to Pakistan after being chased from this country by the Taliban. She writes:

"My mom wanted a country that was safe and where I would be able to learn so we came to Canada. Thank you so much for staying to make my country a better place and tell your soldier friends that I said thank you."

Friends, you are helping the Afghan people make a better life for themselves and their children.

I saw it yesterday morning at the Aschiana School in Kabul, where Canada is partnering to ensure that children who, because of war, tragedy and chaos, were left out of the school system, are now getting an education. I learned of it through discussions in Kabul with Canadians who are assisting with vaccination programs, reaching nearly 200,000 children and women in this country.

Canadians who are working with Afghans on over 27,000 reconstruction projects now underway, including clean water, sanitation and electrical power.

Such achievements come only through the secure environment you are building here. Now, friends, I know your mission has been at times very difficult. And the nature of your tasks and the sheer brutality of your foe mark inherent dangers along the road to a lasting peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

But there is gratitude, here and in Canada. I heard it yesterday again in the voice of President Karzai, when he thanked Canada for what it is doing for his country. It reminded me of a sentiment he expressed on behalf of all Afghans to Canada's Parliament last year.

President Karzai said, and I quote: "If the greatness of a life is measured in deeds done for others, then Canada's sons and daughters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan stand among the greatest of their generation."

Each of you stands among the greatest of your generation. You're Canada's sons and daughters and your country, as much as this country, owes you a debt of gratitude and its unwavering support.

As Canadians, we have tremendous pride in our great country and its values. But we truly show our belief in our values only when we put them on the line – only when we are prepared to share them with those less fortunate than ourselves.

Every day, you personify these values and virtues here, in Afghanistan. You are the diligent neighbours and the compassionate workers. You are the courageous warriors and the loyal friends. You're the very best our country has to offer.

I am proud of you. Canadians are proud of you. And I'm here to tell you that we are behind you. Your government will continue steadfastly supporting the men and women of the Canadian Forces as the most professional, disciplined and effective soldiers in the world.

We will let no one diminish all that you have achieved here for Canada.

I thank you for all that you are doing.

God bless you in the work that lies ahead.

God bless your loved ones at home.

And God bless Canada.