October 22nd will forever be etched in our hearts, minds and souls. I want to express my sincere and profound condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Nathan Cirillo who was tragically gunned down in a cowardly act of senseless violence while serving his country providing a ceremonial Honour Guard at the National War Memorial.
The events of yesterday were no doubt tragic and could have been much worse if not for the bravery and professionalism of the men and women who serve in the Security Services on the Hill. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of them as well as the Police Officers who responded and neutralized the threat against all of us in the National Capital Region.
Please join me in praying for a full recovery of the House of Commons Security Officer who was wounded in the attack. Please also join me in honouring our veterans, for the freedoms and privileges we have today that we cherish so much. I also ask that you take a moment and thank our Police and Peace Officers for protecting us every day and also encourage the men and women of our Canadian Armed Forces as they continue to protect and defend our beloved freedoms.
As the Prime Minister has said, “we will not be intimidated” and “Together, we will remain vigilant against those at home and abroad who wish to harm us.”