I have felt the warmth of your society, the welcome given to anyone who comes to be with you, to share and to understand,

Our horizon is the creation of a noble society to which, like the medieval builder of those glorious cathedrals, you will have added your conception, your artful piece of stone.

[The fight for freedom was] a daunting task, ... but he did it like his comrades - without fanfare, without hesitation, with great pride and determination.

Every Remembrance Day he came for tea (and scotch!) and was a vivid reminder of our country's heroism,

Knowing better than anyone my own shortcomings, I undertake this task with humility and ask you all, as Canadians, to help me.

Stumbling through darkness and racing through light, we have persisted in the creation of a Canadian civilization.