Jay's Message

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 83 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.

Jay would also like to bring your attention to a very important initiative called ARTEZAN DESIGNS. It is a project that supports the hand weaving of pure silk from Herat, an ancient city in western Afghanistan, into beautiful silk shawls by Afghan women and their families living in Kabul. Afghan artisans produce all materials and work by hand using wooden looms. At this time, this project supports ten families of nearly 100 people. It is their hope to help expand this cottage industry in Afghanistan, and provide employment to more Afghan women and their families as economic revival is a key factor in the reconstruction and stabilization of this country.

The project is helping to support the arts and crafts industry in Afghanistan, and preserve techniques and designs that are in threat of disappearing after 24 years of war and political upheaval. The shawls use both traditional colors and design, as well as implement modern colors and new design . Through the sale of these shawls they are able to provide the girls and women with instruction in overcoming illiteracy to help them to become literate and self-sufficient citizens moving towards financial and social independence.
To find out more please visit their website at Artezan designs

Visit Red Fridays Canada and Support Our Troops

PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER PAYS TRIBUTE TO TROOPS AT RED FRIDAY RALLY

Other Relative Links:

To listen to Jay's Remembrance Day message
Write to the Troops
Support our Troops
Military Wives Home Page
Government of Canada
National Defence Website
Canada's Airforce Homepage
Canada's Army Home Page
Canada's Navy Home Page
Military Family National Advisory Board
CF Families Web Site
The Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA)
Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP)
Integrated Relocation Program
Royal Military College of Canada
The Royal Canadian Legion
Canadian Military Memorials
Centre for the Support of Injured and Retired Service Members and their Families
CF Pension Homepage
CF Health Information Line
CF Chaplains (Air Force)
CF Ombudsman
The Lester B. Pearson Canadian Peacekeeping Training Centre
The Canadian Forces Family
Boomers Legacy
www.vimyfoundation.ca

Below are links to news articles Mr. Hill would like to share with you,

Prime Minister Stephen Harper Announces Independent Advisory Panel on Afghan Mission

Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks to Canadian Troops during visit to Afghanistan

Prime Minister rallies troops in Kandahar vows government will defend all that Canada has achieved

Prime Minister sees Canada at its best in Afghanistan

Canada at its Best

New isolationism defies logic Afghanistan has been a boon in resurrecting our military Canada can't fight alone

Someone should fight for our armed forces