Mr. Speaker, on March 17 the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry celebrated the birthday of the first Princess Patricia who was born in 1886.
Raised in 1914, this distinguished regiment has provided outstanding service for the past 86 years. During the Great War, the Patricia's fought valiantly on Europe's battlefields. For their efforts they were awarded three Victoria Crosses.
During the Second World War they won deep respect from Allies and enemies alike for their tenacity in battle.
In 1950 the Second Battalion of the Princess Patricia's was the first Canadian infantry unit to arrive in Korea. Its extraordinary courage at the battle of Kapyong won it the distinct honour of a U.S. Presidential Unit Citation.
The Patricia's have distinguished themselves in the Medak Pocket and in other UN peacekeeping operations in both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
On behalf of all Canadians I wish to praise the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry for its years of outstanding service.