Harper issues statement on Canadian Armed Forces Day

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Canadian Armed Forces Day:

“Today, let us pay tribute to those brave men and women of Canada’s Armed Forces who put their lives on the line every day both at home and around the world to defend our sovereignty and the freedom our citizens enjoy today.

The extent of what our Armed Forces do over the course of any given year is truly remarkable. They protect and defend us in many ways, including conducting thousands of life saving search and rescue operations here at home, helping to protect Canadians from the effects of natural disasters, deterring terrorist activities in the Mediterranean and Arabian seas, providing military training in Afghanistan, and countering illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean Basin.

It is also important on this day to honour the families of those in uniform who provide our troops with the love and support they need during tough assignments.

Our Government recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of our Canadian Armed Forces and is working on helping to create and sustain well-trained, well-equipped and well-led units that can meet current and future challenges.

Our Government also continues to reflect and improve upon its programs dedicated to supporting Canada’s ill and injured military personnel and veterans, and to provide the care that our personnel and their families deserve.

On this day, I encourage all Canadians to thank a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for their service and to find out more about their outstanding accomplishments at home and abroad.”