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Support our Troops
Dear Constituents,
Many Canadians are in the midst of coming to terms with lessons our oldest generations acquired over 50 years ago. Most of us never lived through a time when our nation experienced considerable loss of life through military conflict. Unfortunately, a new kind of tyranny - terrorism - has forced the international community to once again stand up and fight to preserve democracy, freedom, security and stability. We have now come to realize that this responsibility and these efforts do not come without a price.
As our older generation came to learn, no matter what our views may be with regard to the role of Canada's military or with regard to any particular Canadian Forces mission, we must, above all else, actively and loudly demonstrate our support for our troops and their families.
Canada continues to commit our Canadian Forces personnel to regions where there is peace to maintain. In these cases, all sides have invited and welcomed our peacekeepers and it is a job for which our soldiers are well-trained. They carry out their duties with professionalism and excellence and continue to be a great source of pride for our country. We honour these men and women in uniform and their families, who resolutely carry on.
We honour the members of our navy, army and air force who work hard and train each and every day here at home in Canada, preparing themselves to defend our country, defend desperate peoples around the world and defend their fellow soldiers. We honour their families for providing the loving encouragement and support that is so necessary to anyone committed to a life in military service.
And we honour our troops currently serving in Afghanistan. Their steadfast commitment and belief in their mission never ceases to amaze me. Despite the tragic loss of 130 of their fellow soldiers in Afghanistan and the maiming of dozens more, these men and women continue to serve willingly. I do not doubt for a moment that they fear experiencing a fate similar to their fallen comrades. Yet daily they combat that fear in order to help those who cannot help themselves. That is the definition of a hero.
Their families are truly courageous for forging ahead with everyday life despite their worry over their loved ones safety.
Perhaps someday soon there will be a peace in Afghanistan to keep. Sadly, there is not yet peace for the United Nations and our soldiers to preserve for the Afghan people. In fact, the Taliban reject peace. They reject human rights. They reject democracy. They reject the education of women. They advocate violence and celebrate suicide bombers who main and kill innocent civilians and spread havoc and fear among the population. This is not simply a civil conflict. Afghanistan is literally being invaded by terrorists who are pouring across its borders from neighbouring states.
I believe we must follow the example set by our Canadian troops who refuse to give up believing that their mission is succeeding. Their personal stories detailing the women, children and men they have helped are inspiring. They deserve our most sincere appreciation and they deserve to know that Canadians SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.
Christmas in Afghanistan December 25th, 2006
In December 2006 Jay travelled to Afghanistan as part of a Canadian delegation made up of Members of Parliaments, Canadian entertainers and other key stakeholders . The purpose of the visit was to provide a positive morale boost to the soldiers of Task Force Afghanistan at Christmas. It was a good opportunity to inform all involved about the progress being made and Canada's contributions to the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. At the same time, we were able to demonstrate to our troops that Canada' s New Government is firmly behind our men and women in uniform.
To view some of the photos that were taken while Jay was in Afghanistan please click here.
The links below are for the three columns Jay wrote while on this journey.
December 27, 2006
January 3, 2007
January 10, 2007
Vimy Ridge, April 7th, 2007
I, like thousands of other Canadians of all ages made an honoured pilgrimage to Vimy, France, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the First World War's Battle of Vimy Ridge. It was an incredible experience and priviledge to have participated in such an event. To read more on this topic and view images of this event please click below.
Passchendaele, November 11th, 2007
Remembrance Day 2007 proved to be even more special than usual when I was asked to travel to Belgium to unveil a plaque commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers ninety years ago at the Battle of Passchendaele. Yet another incredibly moving experience. To read more on this topic and view images of this event please click below.
Red Fridays
Visit Red Fridays Canada and Support Our Troops
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