The theme of the convocation address to Mount Allison’s graduates today was respecting the dignity of man, and the importance of mothers.
The address was delivered by Canadian hero Kevin Vickers, the former sergeant at arms for Parliament, the current Ambassador to Ireland.
Vickers spoke about the events of October 22nd, saying it was mostly a blur, and he had a hard time going to sleep.
“And I woke up around 5:30 in the morning and I was crying, it was the loneliest moment of my life,” said Vickers. “The morning came, who called? My mother.”
Vickers says his mother was a rock, who encouraged him repeatedly to come home and spend some time with his family.
“You’re going to have your October 22nd, and you just always remember that your mother is there who loves you, who will protect you and always stand with you,” says Vickers.
Vickers adds everyone is deserving of dignity, even those who break the law.
To illustrate that point, he says in a private mass with his family in Miramichi a few days after the event, the whole family prayed for the mothers of both Nathan Cirillo, the soldier who was killed, and Michael Zihaf Bibeau the shooter.
Prior to delivering his address, Vickers was given an honorary Degree of Laws.
