Mr. Speaker, on Parliament Hill this morning the Minister of Veterans Affairs unveiled the Veterans' Week 2002 poster. Each year we set aside Veterans' Week, November 5 to 11, to remember and commemorate those who have served our country in times of peace and war.
This year's poster features Brendan Matthews, a high school student from Yellowknife who visited the gravesites of Canadian soldiers as part of the 85th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge. The poster also features Sergeant Ernest Alvia “Smokey” Smith, a veteran of the second world war and Canada's only surviving Victoria Cross recipient; Joseph Meconse, a peacekeeping veteran; and Corporal Kim Burns, a still serving member of the Canadian Forces.
More than anyone, our veterans know the tragic costs of war. It remains as important as ever to demonstrate to veterans and peacekeepers our appreciation and gratitude for their service and sacrifice so that we may enjoy the many blessings of peace and freedom. Lest we forget.