OTTAWA – Governor General David Johnston says Canadians may have a lot of respect for the country’s military, but they don’t know enough about what it actually does.
Soldiers routinely rank near the top of opinion polls that ask Canadians which professions they respect the most.
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But a survey conducted for the Department of National Defence earlier this year suggests many Canadians have only a limited familiarity with the military, if any.
Johnston says events such as Friday’s Remembrance Day ceremony are important for recognizing and raising awareness of the duty and sacrifice demonstrated by Canada’s military personnel on the battlefield.
But he says during his six years as Canada’s commander-in-chief, he has also come to recognize that the Canadian military is unique in its ability to both fight and, in his words, construct order out of chaos.
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That includes taking off their warrior hats to help rebuild communities and even countries devastated by natural disaster or conflict.
Johnston says that unique ability has been praised by representatives from other countries, even if it may not be widely recognized in Canada.
Johnston’s term as Governor General is set to expire next September, meaning Friday will be his last Remembrance Day as Canada’s commander-in-chief.