Amid strained trade talks, U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra struck a conciliatory tone Tuesday, expressing deep appreciation for the longstanding military partnership between Canada and the United States during an Armed Forces Day ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. 

“It is an awesome relationship,” Hoekstra said. “We are very, very appreciative of the partnership that we still see today.” 

More than 20 Canadian service members were honoured at the U.S. Embassy. While most recipients typically receive their medals directly through a U.S. military command, some were recognized during the embassy ceremony instead. 

The awards recognize “exceptional contributions to bilateral defense cooperation” and advancing “shared security objectives.” 

Each year, over 150 Canadian Armed Forces members receive U.S. military decorations in recognition of their services to the United States. 

Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, Armed Forces Day honours active and former military personnel. It’s celebrated on the third Saturday in May – not to be confused with Memorial Day, which commemorates fallen service members and is observed on the last Monday in May. 

Before presenting the awards, Hoekstra reflected moments throughout history when Canadian and American troops saved one another’s lives.

“It’s an example… of the close partnership and how people all around the world have benefited between the relationship of the United States and Canada,” Hoekstra said. 

Hoekstra pointed to the ties deepening during World Wars I and II, leading to the 1940 Ogdensburg Agreement and the creation of NORAD in 1958. 

“I’m really looking forward to potentially where we will go in the future in our cooperation, because the world’s not getting to be a simpler place,” Hoekstra said. “It’s getting to be a more complex… more dangerous place.” 

The ambassador added he hopes to see the close partnership continue to work off the experiences and the “success” built over the last one hundred years.

“We appreciate it each and every day and it is our privilege to recognize a number of Canadians today for the service that they have provided working side by side with Americans – thank you,” Hoekstra said.

After presenting the awards, Hoekstra participated in the ceremonial cake cutting.