Speech
by Gordon O'Connor
Minister of National Defence
Ladies and Gentleman,
I’m very pleased to be here today at the Royal Canadian Air
Force Memorial Museum.
As Minister of National Defence, I believe it is important that
we pay tribute to proud moments in our military heritage, and this
is exactly the mission of the Royal Canadian Air Force Memorial Museum.
The aircraft and other artifacts on display remind us of the significant
contributions and sacrifices made by our men and women in military
aviation to help preserve the freedom and democracy we enjoy today.
Today I’m pleased to announce that the Department of National
Defence will be providing one million dollars in funding to this
great museum.
Today, the Conservative Government delivers on Prime Minister Harper’s
commitment, made during the campaign.
It was featured in the 2006 Budget.
And now, I’m here to deliver on it.
I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight the outstanding
work done by M.P. Norlock, who worked tirelessly to ensure this campaign
commitment is met.
I would also like to give credit to Mr. Chris Colton, Executive
Director of the Museum, Mr. Ken Kee, Chairman of the fundraising
campaign, and all the people who contributed time or money to this
project.
This investment will allow this Museum to share with visitors our
proud military heritage.
It will allow the Museum to open its new wing, permitting the growth
of existing exhibits as well as the addition of more interactive
displays.
The Museum can now also showcase an extraordinary piece of Canada’s
aviation heritage-the Halifax Mark VII Bomber.
Les musees nous revelent beaucoup sur notre passé, mais ils
sont egalement une source d’inspiration pour notre avenir.
Ce musee, qui nous rappelled les fieres traditions de notre force
aerienne tout en nous encourageant a atteindre des sommets similaires
dans le future.
La huitieme escadre Trenton a un avenir brilliant devant elle.
C’est en effet un element essential de notre strategie de
defense Le Canada d’abord qui vise a revitaliser et a rebatir
les Forces canadiennes.
Le government conservateur est devoue aux Forces canadiennes et
a cette region.
Comme vous pourrez le constater dans les mois a venire, Trenton
jouera un role important dans nos efforts de reconstruction des Forces
canadiennes.
Ladies and Gentleman, I thank you for the opportunity to contribute
to such a grand and worthwhile venture.
I thank you for your hard work.
And, I thank you for your dedication to bringing Canadian history
to Canadians—to tour groups, school classes, air cadets, veterans
organizations and aviation enthusiasts.
As Trenton looks towards a bright future, the RCAF Memorial Museum
will help us remember our proud past.
Per Ardua Ad Astra; through adversity to the stars.
Thank you. |
