Justin Trudeau Delivers Message to American Athletes at Closing Ceremony of Prince Harry's Invictus Games in Canada

Mar. 15, 2025

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“It’s about not letting an injury, whether it be physical or mental, define who you are or what you can accomplish,” he continued. “It’s about inspiring your fellow veterans, your fellow compatriots who have or are putting their lives on the line to defend our values, our liberty, our freedom; it’s about all of you…Each and every one of you is an inspiration.”

During his speech, he addressed Team U.S., telling the crowd: “If you’ll permit me, a quick word to the American team — our neighbors, our allies, our friends. I’m reminded of that old joke: I went to a fight last night, and a hockey game broke out,” he said in an apparent reference to the USA vs. Canada NHL 4 Nations Face-Off on Feb. 15, which the U.S. won.

“I know, my American friends, you’ve been reminded this past week that your Canadian friends and every other competitor in this place is just as proud to fight for their flags as you are to fight for yours — the stars and stripes,” he said.

“We all stand proudly together. We all believe in a future where we have values and a friendship that endures the test of time,” he continued. “We have stood together for generations and Canada and Canadians will never stop fighting for the friendship that unites our two countries through tough times and through the best times in the world. Americans are our friends, always. And we are yours.”

Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election has heightened anxieties, particularly after he floated the idea of Canada becoming America’s “51st state” and threatened steep tariffs on Canadian goods.

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“I wish that we could close this down because there wasn’t a need for it, but as long as there’s a need for it, we will keep it going,” Prince Harry says.

source: people.com