Mr. Speaker, October 21 marks the founding of the Royal 22nd Regiment. This military unit comprising primarily Quebecers has existed and brought us honour for 85 years, as of today.
This regiment was awarded over 550 decorations and insignia for its bravery and heroism in the two world wars and the Korean war. In addition, a number of the members of the Royal 22nd joined UN peacekeeping forces and were awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1988.
Their loyalty has never been questioned either. As proof, 250 soldiers from the Royal 22nd left Quebec City Friday to join the international mission sent to East Timor, thus reaffirming their tradition of commitment.
On behalf of my colleagues in the Bloc Quebecois, I would like to pay tribute to the Royal 22nd regiment, to the men and women there in the service of peace and to those like them.