Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, November 11 Canadians will mark a minute of silence for those who gave their lives for the freedom, democracy and peace we enjoy in this country today.
My father was one of those men. He was a navigator in the RCAF and never returned from the second world war. As a result, I grew up with only a photograph and the stories and memories passed on by my mother to tell me what a wonderful man my father was.
Many of us can only imagine what it was like for those men like my father. Their sacrifice was so great and so meaningful we must never forget the contributions made during the wars. No words can convey that to anyone.
Therefore as the House will not be sitting on Remembrance Day, I ask that we remember November 11 is not a holiday. It is a day to remember those who fought and died for this wonderful country.