MP Gallant ‘Pins’ Prime Minister’s Spouse with “Support Our Troops” Pendant

March 14, 2008

MP Cheryl Gallant 'pinning' wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper Lauren Harper with a Support Our Troops gold pendant.

Ottawa, Ontario - Cheryl Gallant, MP, (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke), had the honour of presenting Laureen Harper, spouse of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, with a ‘Support Our Troops’ pendant. The pendant is the creation of local Pembroke businessman David Frew. David is the owner of Pembroke area business Star Set Jewellers and is the designer, manufacturer and retailer of this pin.

“Mrs. Harper was absolutely thrilled to be presented with a beautiful ‘Support Our Troops’ pendant. I am proud of the support our government has provided our military. That support clearly goes all the way to the top,” remarked MP Gallant. “I am equally proud that it was one of our local residents who decided on his own initiative to design this special pendant to recognize the women and men in our Armed Forces and the soldiers in our community who are posted to CFB Petawawa.”

The yellow ribbon has become a symbol of support for the women and men serving in Canada’s military. The ‘Support Our Troops’ pendant is made of 10kt yellow gold. It is adorned with a maple leaf made of 10kt rose gold, which not only symbolizes our great country, but also reminds us of the sacrifice of all our brave and dedicated soldiers. Five dollars from every sale of the Support Our Troops ribbon jewellery is donated to help support military families.

MP Gallant recently had the honour of representing the people of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke during the debate to extend Canada’s mission to Afghanistan.

Hansard March 13 2008.

Mrs. Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, Conservative): Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to be here today to speak to the motion on Canada's role in Afghanistan. I am glad to see that the government and the official opposition have reached an agreement on Canada's mission in Afghanistan. This motion is neither a Conservative nor a Liberal motion; it is a Canadian motion that is consistent with our history and our values.

In listening to the women parliamentarians from Afghanistan, it put into perspective the minor issues we have to deal with involving safety and privacy issues as a parliamentarian. To be a parliamentarian, these women not only put their lives at stake, but the lives of their families and children as well.

The day prior to the day I met with those ladies we had another casualty in Afghanistan. The Governor General was there and they asked her if they could stand with her on the tarmac in Trenton when the body of the soldier was repatriated. Every time we lose a soldier, it pains them as well. They know these soldiers have given up their lives so they and their children can lead a better life. This really spoke to the appreciation that Afghan people have for our sacrifices in wanting to be there to comfort the family whose loved one was returning home.