Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to one of our fallen heroes, Private John Lambert.
This brave young man wanted to serve so badly that he lied about his age to enlist with the Newfoundland Regiment when he was only 16. He fought throughout Europe during the First World War and made the ultimate sacrifice, dying in the Battle of Langemarck at the young age of 17. However, like so many others, his body was not recovered and identified.
During an archaeological dig in Belgium in 2016, a soldier’s remains were discovered. Thanks to modern technology and DNA sampling, the remains were identified as those of Private John Lambert. This young man died a hero and it is only fitting that he has now been laid to rest alongside his fellow soldiers at the Commonwealth War Graves' New Irish Farm Cemetery in Belgium.
In sharing Private Lambert’s story, we remember the service and sacrifice of all our fallen heroes. May they rest in peace.