Teary Michaelle Jean bids farewell as military’s commander-in-chief

OTTAWA, Ont. – The tears rolling down Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean’s cheeks as she walked off the parade ground Wednesday were tears, she said, of joy.

But there was no mistaking the sense of melancholy mixed with celebration as Jean’s term as vice-regal – and military commander-in-chief – ends following Canada’s bloodiest five years of combat since the Korean War.

The memory of 152 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan – and many more wounded – haunted Jean’s farewell military parade outside the Canadian War Museum. Speaker after speaker paid heartfelt thanks to the departing Governor General’s genuine empathy.

Jean discarded the opening lines of her prepared speech to directly address Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Gen. Walt Natynczyk, chief of the Defence staff, to thank them for their support during the repatriation of so many dead soldiers at CFB Trenton.

“Indeed we stood together on the tarmac in difficult times,” she said, her speech halting. “We never took it for granted. We felt included by the families who allowed us to share their grief. They always had the right words, and we were together as one.”

Jean arrived to a 21-gun salute to begin the traditional military tribute accorded departing governors general. Her last official act comes Thursday afternoon when she’ll plant a tree at Rideau Hall to mark her term.

Governor-general designate David Johnston is to be sworn in as Canada’s 28th vice-regal on Friday.

While military parades for outgoing commanders-in-chief are standard protocol, there was nothing pro forma about Jean’s sendoff. Her inspection of the assembled troops turned into an extended personal greeting session, after which she said hello to the military band, followed by an emotional visit with military veterans.

Her special ability to connect with Canadians has been a hallmark of her term, a character quality that was intimately felt by Canada’s extended military family.

Silver Cross Mother Della Morley, speaking on the fourth anniversary of her son Cpl. Keith Morley’s funeral, paid tribute to Jean in a voice barely above a whisper.

“I was anxious and overwhelmed that morning, but after a few minutes on the phone with you, I felt I was speaking with a friend who shared my pain,” Morley said.

MacKay commended Jean’s troop visits in Afghanistan and Haiti, her time on the Trenton tarmac “in freezing rain and blistering heat,” and time spent with the recuperating wounded.

“You carried the compassion of a country on your shoulders. You embodied heartfelt emotion,” he said.

Natynczyk said that by her actions, Jean “cemented a bond” with the Canadian Forces, a point he carried perilously close to current policy skirmishes over the government’s treatment of veterans.

“All those that are at the front line today, all they ask is that their service be recognized and appreciated by Canada; that their families be supported and that if they are injured in the conduct of their service; that the nation recognize their sacrifice and support them and their family,” said Natynczyk.

In Jean, said the general, that was never in doubt.

“You show that Canada cares.”