Remarks by Ambassador David H. Wilkins
NORAD 50th Anniversary Reception
May 5, 2008
As prepared for delivery.
Minister MacKay, Lt. General Watt, former Deputy Commanders of NORAD, honored guests and special friends all: Welcome to this beautiful residence those of us who serve here in the U.S. Mission are so very proud of.
Over the almost three years Susan and I have been privileged to be caretakers of this magnificent home. It has seen many wonderful events and holds many joyful memories. But I want you to know that I have never been prouder to host an event and honor a milestone in the U.S-Canada relationship that I am right here, right now.
Ambassador David H. Wilkins and Canadian Minister of Defence Peter MacKay at the NORAD 50th Anniversary Reception, Ottawa.
Because for me NORAD stands as the single most profound example of the enduring success of this relationship of ours.
And NORAD works because our military leaders are smart, savvy and dedicated to the same goals.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command was born a decade after the valiant heroes of the Second World War had confronted and defeated the tyrants of their day and returned home to Canada and the United States -- determined to keep the homeland secure.
Their vision would become the most successful and unique peace-keeping agreement the world has ever known.
In May 1958, the people of our two sovereign nations partnered to form NORAD, monitoring both the skies and now the seas for man-made threats to North America.
And today as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic partnership, NORAD only becomes more vital.
We may face a different enemy with different tactics on different battlefields, but the goals remain the same: destroy what freedom has built.
And so we face the same choices: Confront terror and tyranny or look away.
As I’m sure many of you know, during the murderous attacks of September 11, 2001 when North American air space was closed and U.S. Air Forces were ordered into the skies with the authority to shoot down any threatening aircraft it was a Canadian General sitting in the NORAD chair making those life and death decisions.
I know we have a lot of our friends from the media here. And I know we all spend a lot of time focusing on the issues that divide us. But the reality is the U.S.-Canada relationship is one built on a rock-solid foundation of trust. Stronger than any other bilateral relationship in the world.
And if you want to see where that foundation is laid, look no further than Peterson Air Force Base at Colorado Springs where NORAD operates. Or check out what our troops are accomplishing together as part of the NATO-mission in Afghanistan.
In a time when we demand and expect instant gratification, progress, sometimes cannot come swiftly enough.
But rest assured it comes.
In Afghanistan and Iraq because of the best and bravest citizens our countries have to offer – the men and women of our military forces – progress comes.
Perhaps one of the United States most hard-charging combat generals, George S. Patton, Jr., said it best:
“Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow …and of the man who leads…that gains the victory.”
We are truly blessed to be in such capable hands.
May God bless all our troops and their families. We honor them, their service and their sacrifice.
I also want to thank and honor all our veterans here with us this evening.
And thanks to all of you for helping us mark this very special anniversary between our countries.
It is now my pleasure to introduce my good friend and a great friend to the United States…Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
May God bless Canada.
And God bless America.
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