Mr. Speaker, for over a year now, Canadians have been planning to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the events that led to the end of the second world war. Hundreds of commemorative activities have already been held in various communities across Canada. Through ceremonies, concerts, exhibitions and storytelling, Canadians are paying tribute to those who gave their lives to overcome tyranny.
There are no words to express the pride I feel toward my country, a country that was effectively created by the men and women who fought for our freedom. It is because of both those who did not come back and those who are still among us, along with the thousands of Canadians who supported their efforts, that we now enjoy a quality of life and freedoms without parallel. Today I want to thank and honour them.