Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a distinct honour to speak on the eve of a monumental milestone in the apocalyptic annals of Canadian history.
One hundred years ago tomorrow, on October 30, 1899, 1,000 Canadian soldiers left Quebec City to fight in the South African Boer War. It was Canada's very first overseas mission. There were soldiers representing all seven provinces at the time.
The Royal Canadian Dragoons, who are now based at CFB Petawawa, in my great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, represent one of this country's oldest military units. Just last week the RCDs received millennium funding to restore the 116 year old King's Banner which was used to rally the troops during the Boer War. It will be on display at the Base Petawawa Museum.
I cannot begin to describe the diligent dedication of those Boer War veterans, and the thousands of Canadian men and women who bravely represent Canada as peacekeepers throughout the world.