On his last day as Canada's top soldier, Gen. Rick Hillier says he's proud of the "incredible renaissance" that's occurred in the public's support for the nation's troops.
Speaking from Parliament Hill, where hundreds of people had gathered for Canada Day ceremonies, Hillier told Â鶹´«Ã½net that seeing public displays of national pride was "actually inspirational -- and I don't use the term lightly."
He said over the past few years, he has witnessed growing concern among ordinary Canadians for men and women in uniform.
"(The public's) appreciation for them, their value for the work that they do and their understanding for the stresses that (soldiers) undergo has been enormously changed over the last two to three years," he said.
Former prime minister Paul Martin appointed Hillier chief of the defence staff three years ago. During his tenure, he gained the respect and loyalty of his troops and has come to represent the face of Canadian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
Hillier said Afghanistan still has a long way to go before it is ready to take care of its own security needs. He said Canada, the U.S., and NATO countries are making progress, but it's "very, very slow."
He said he is confident that Lt.-Gen. Walter Natynczyk -- who will take over for Hillier Wednesday at 10 a.m. -- will be an effective leader.
"(He) is probably the best officer I have had the chance to work with," said Hillier.
Hillier said he will leave it up to Canada's political leaders to decide if it is in the national interest to stay in Afghanistan beyond the current commitment. When it comes to his own future, Hillier remained coy, but he hinted that he would "consider a book."
Most importantly, Hillier said he and his wife are looking forward to "their next career" and spending time with their family. Hillier was appointed the new chancellor of Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador last month.
Despite his many options, Hillier noted that the transition away from the military won't be easy.
"(It's) difficult for me to depart because I've been a soldier all my life ... that's who I am," he said.
