Remarks by U.S. Ambassador David H. Wilkins

NORAD 50th Anniversary – Winnipeg

May 30, 2008

As prepared for delivery.

Premier Doer, Lt. General Bouchard, Major General Duval, distinguished guests, and special friends all: It is a privilege to join you today in honoring this milestone in the U.S.-Canada relationship.

For NORAD stands as the single most profound example of the enduring success of this partnership of ours.

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.

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.

NORAD works because our military leaders are smart, savvy and dedicated to the same goals.

It works because it is built on a foundation of rock-solid trust and shared ideals in democracy and liberty.

And at Peterson Air Force Base at Colorado Springs where NORAD operates.

Or they’re found half a world away, accomplishing great goals as part of our NATO-mission in Afghanistan.

In a time when we demand and expect instant gratification, progress sometimes cannot come swiftly enough.

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.

And just as the greatest generation proved when it confronted the tyrants of that day and then came home and formed NORAD to monitor our skies and later our seas – freedom always finds a way as long as it has noble defenders who sacredly guard it.

Thanks to the men and women of our Armed Forces we are truly fortunate to be in such capable hands.

May God bless those on the front lines this day carrying liberty’s light.

We honor them – their service and their sacrifice and that of their families.

I also want to thank and honor all our veterans here with us this day.

gain, thanks to all of you for helping us mark this very special anniversary between our countries.

May God bless Canada.

And God bless America.

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