Mr. Speaker, this is Veterans Week, from November 3 to 11. It is a fitting time to pay tribute to one of Canada's veterans, who is also one of my constituents, Smokey Smith.
Born in New Westminister, B.C. and enlisting in the Seaforth Highlanders Regiment in March of 1940, Smokey Smith is one of only two living Canadians who have received Canada's and the Commonwealth's highest decoration for bravery in action, the Victoria Cross.
Fifty-two years ago Private Smith's regiment headed an attack across the Savio River in Italy. It is here Private Smith earned his Victoria Cross, almost single-handedly turning back an enemy counter attack. As a result, his battalion was able to consolidate a bridgehead, vital to the success of the overall Canadian military operations in the region.
This House and its members salute Smokey Smith today. We cherish the uncommon valour and the personal commitment and sacrifice of Private Smith and of all our veterans who served Canada in two world wars and also in the United Nations military operations and peacekeeping missions around the world.