Mr. Speaker, earlier this month I had the privilege of travelling to Holland as part of the official delegation returning to mark the 55th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian armed forces. I cannot begin to describe the feeling of pride I felt as I was welcomed by a truly grateful nation.
Dutch citizens have not forgotten the role Canadians played in their liberation. Dutch citizens, including the very young, tend the graves of the thousands of Canadian soldiers and airmen who made the supreme sacrifice to ensure the freedom of fellow human beings. Dutch citizens will always remember.
As we prepare to return the unknown soldier to Canadian soil, I want to pay a very special tribute to the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly the Commemorative Department, for its incredible dedication to the memory of our fallen forces in every corner of the world. Canada most definitely remembers.