Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Len Rigg of Richmond who was presented with the Legion of Honour, the highest decoration awarded by the French government, for his role in the liberation of France during the Second World War.
Len Rigg was just 22 years of age when he joined the British Army's Corps of Royal Engineers. He landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and fought his way through to Germany, where he marched in the victory parade through the streets of Berlin.
On December 13, Mr. Rigg will celebrate his 100th birthday and will officially receive this prestigious medal from the ambassador of France to Canada.
We thank Len for his bravery, service, and sacrifice for the cause of freedom and democracy.
We wish him a very happy 100th birthday.