Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite all Canadians to share in a grand military celebration Saturday morning, June 3, at 9.30 on Parliament Hill. Two hundred and fifty Canadian soldiers will participate in the Century of Service Parade to commemorate 100 years of proud military service to our country. This is a unique opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to four regiments that served in South Africa at the turn of the 20th century.
The Royal Canadian Regiment valiantly fought its way to victory through searing heat, thirst and sickness at the battle of Paardeberg in February 1900. In November 1900 the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery held fast at the battle of Leliefontain despite many casualties.
It is also an opportunity to commemorate the raising of Lord Strathcona's Horse, the Royal Canadians, in the year of 1900 just prior to their service in South Africa. In fact the Musical Ride will be performed by horses and riders from the Strathcona Mounted Troop, an event rarely seen in eastern Canada.
I encourage all Canadians to share in this momentous tribute to these four proud Canadian regiments that continue to serve our home and native land.