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Mother's Day Message from the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence

On this Mother’s Day, I would like to pay tribute to all the mothers, but specifically those in the Canadian Forces family.

First, to the wives and partners of CF members. You are the glue that keeps the military family together. While your men are deployed, you are mother and father to your children, facing challenges and adversity alone, comforting your children when they worry about daddy and spending many sleepless nights worrying yourself. You band together to support each other through hard times, and to create a better military community for all. Military wives and partners are made of strong stuff. You have my admiration and thanks.

Secondly, to the CF members who are mothers. You face the heart-wrenching possibility of leaving your children behind for months at a time, when for many mothers, a night apart is sometimes too much. Children change so much over the course of an overseas deployment: they say their first words, learn to ride a bike, get their first job. Your dedication to your job means that you may miss some of those milestones, and I appreciate the sacrifices you make to serve your country. You are a shining example of courage, integrity and dedication to duty to Canadians, but more importantly, to your children, who can hold their head high when they say “my mom’s in the military.”

Finally, to the mothers of our CF members. No matter how old your children are, they are still your children, and when they are serving in a war zone, you worry, you pray, you shed tears and you hope. At times, you probably doubt your son or daughter’s choice to join the CF. But if you ask them, they will tell you that they love their job, and that it’s not just a job, but a calling. Your son or daughter makes a direct contribution to Canada and to the world. They willingly place themselves in harm’s way in order to create a brighter future for all. There is no more noble occupation than serving one’s country and we value every member’s contribution. Be rest assured, we try to take care of them as if they were our own.

Wherever you are, at home or abroad, have a happy Mother’s Day.

Peter MacKay