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

Michaelle Jean bid a teary farewell today as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces in one of her last official acts as Governor General.
Advocate Staff
Jean, Belzile
Governor General Michaelle Jean holds back tears while pausing to talk to veteran Charles Belzile during a military ceremony in her honour at the National War Museum in Ottawa on Wednesday. Jean is finishing up her five-year term as Canada's governor-general this week.

OTTAWA — Michaelle Jean bid a teary farewell today as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces in one of her last official acts as Governor General.

The memory of 154 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan haunted the military parade in Jean’s honour outside the Canadian War Museum.

Everyone from Defence Minister Peter MacKay to Silver Cross Mother Ella Morley paid tribute to Jean’s role in providing support for the Afghan mission’s dead and wounded.

Gen. Walt Natynczyk, chief of Defence staff, said that by her actions, Jean “shows that Canada cares” for the sacrifice of the military.

Jean’s last official function takes place Thursday at Rideau Hall, where she’ll plant a tree to commemorate the end of her mandate.

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