Thanks very much, Mr. Chair.
Senator, thanks so much for being with us this morning.
This isn't my normal committee, so I'm finding it quite interesting. One of the things I always remembered when growing up was that my dad was a proud veteran of the Second World War and he spent five years fighting in Europe. I always remember him saying that it didn't matter who you were fighting beside, who you were fighting with; you were aligned with them, they were Canadians, and they were all fighting for Canada so they were all seen as equals. There was no division among the people who were actually in the forces.
You talked about the Korean War vets who have been honoured, and of course they have been, as have lots of others. We're starting to see now the ceremonies to commemorate the Afghanistan veterans, which include everyone who was there, whatever their ethnic background. You referred to some people who lied so they could serve their country. That's been historical and has always happened. Kids who were 16 years old lied in the Second World War and probably in the First World War too. I know that friends of my dad did and were able then to serve their country.
I understand what you're saying, but what kind of a reception have you received? Have you talked to veterans groups? Are the veterans themselves supportive of this? What kind of communication have you had with them?