Mr. Speaker, later today I will have the honour of leading a delegation of veterans to Italy. This pilgrimage will mark the 50th anniversary of the Italian campaign of the second world war.
Veterans from across the country representing all of the regiments and units which participated in the campaign will travel with me to sites throughout Italy. Together we will retrace the steps of Canadians who fought for democracy in Italy between 1943 and 1945 and pay tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom.
The story of the Canadians in Italy is a special chapter in our history. The first Canadians stepped on to the beaches on July 10, 1943. Well planned and decisive, the successful allied landings in Sicily marked an important turning point in the cause of freedom.
Then came 20 long gruelling months of fighting in which our troops proved themselves time and time again-Ortona, Monte Cassino, the Liri Valley and the push to the Lombardy plains and the industrial north of Italy. These fierce battles tested our Canadians fully and in every case our troops showed their exceptional ability and determination. Their proud record brought them respect from friend and foe alike.
All three of our services saw action in the Italian campaign. The flotillas of the Royal Canadian Navy successfully brought our troops ashore and, together with the merchant navy, kept them well supplied. The Royal Canadian Air Force provided vital air support, bombing strategic enemy positions. The infantry and armoured divisions of the Canadian Army renewed our country's reputation as the home of courageous and accomplished soldiers. The "red patches" of our Canadian Infantry Corps were some of the toughest troops in Italy.
Our troops left Italy and went on to northwestern Europe where they gained further honours in liberating Holland. But in Italy the important role they played in driving back the German army contributed to the downfall of the Third Reich.
I ask all members of the House to pay a very special tribute to the Canadian veterans of Italy who 50 years ago helped return freedom to Europe and brought such great honour to our country.