Jean Chretien, former prime minister of Canada, spoke in Gander, Newfoundland yesterday during an emotional tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The 92-year-old brought the house down in a fiery speech interrupted by standing ovations.
Chretien was prime minister when the attacks occurred 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. The ex-PM talked about how Canada showed solidarity and kindness to Americans in their time of need. He recounted the hospitality that the people of Gander showed to stranded air travellers, most of them American. He also spoke with pride about the Canadian government's sponsorship of the motion to invoke the NATO alliance's mutual defence clause. "Our closest friend was attacked. We said that was an attack on us too, and we fought back side by side."
The 20th prime minister of Canada was blunt and honest. He pulled no punches. "I am just a former prime minister, 92 years old, and a very proud Canadian, but I have seen a few things in my lifetime, and I know this country and the people from coast to coast to coast. I have a message for our American friends.
Yes, Canada is a generous, open country, and Canadians are tolerant and kind. But never mistake our generosity for weakness.. Never, never mistake our tolerance for lack of determination, and never, never mistake our kindness for softness.
We know who we are, and we are proud of it. Building a country like this, with this climate and this geography, is a sign of toughness, not of weakness.
Welcoming people from all over the world, caring for each other, including the weakest in society, is a sign of strength.
We embrace our friends and we help them in their moment of need, but we bow to no one. The more we are threatened and abused, the more we will stand up for ourselves, and stand united.
Friends need to be honest with each other, just as the people of Gander, and anywhere else in Newfoundland and Labrador, they will give you the shirt off their backs, like they did 25 years ago. But they will always show you the respect of telling you the truth. So, my friends, here is to truth, to respect, to friendship, and to good neighbours.
Long live the United States and long live Canada!" he declared, ending his speech in French.
I ask you, have you ever heard Donald Trump speak about kindness and welcoming people from all over the world?
- Joanne
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