Mr. Speaker, it was 50 years ago that Canadian soldiers of the second world war fought to liberate Belgium and bring peace to Europe.
Between October 1 and November 8, 1944, 6,367 Canadians were killed or wounded in the Battle of the Scheldt. From October 24 to November 7 of this year 60 Canadian veterans returned to Belgium and the Netherlands to attend commemorative services as part of the Canada Remembers Program. Over 38 events were held including a ceremony at Bergen-Op-Zoom, a parade at the Hickman Bridge and a church service in Knokke.
One overwhelming theme which rang through at each town and cemetery was the enormous admiration and respect the people of Belgium and the Netherlands have for our Canadian veterans.
1994 also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. Remembrance services were held at Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel to honour those who served in the first world war.
I ask all members to join with me and the Secretary of State for Veterans in remembering all Canadians who fought on behalf of our country. We ask you to salute the veterans who participated in the commemorative services for the Battle of the Scheldt.