One of my predecessors, Lord Dufferin, introduced the Governor General's Academic Medals in 1873. I am proud to continue this custom of celebrating our country's bright young people. You will notice a compass rose is etched on the medal. It symbolizes the spirit of discovery that drives learning. A good knowledge of history is a lot like a compass it helps you understand where you are, and helps guide you to where you want to go.
History is the understanding of why events have happened.
We should never forget that history is all around us. Thank you to the student actors from Brookfield High School for being here today to present a creative look at history. I would also like to thank the Honourable Herb Gray and the Millennium Bureau for supporting this initiative. This is only one of many projects you are helping to make a reality. Each project will bring Canadians together, in their communities and across this nation.