Mr. Speaker, during the second world war 16 courageous Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth's highest military decoration for bravery.
Ernest Alvia Smith, better known as Smokey, is the last surviving recipient. On this very date 58 years ago, Smokey earned his Victoria Cross during a battle at the Savio River in Italy. As a member of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada's tank-hunting platoon, Private Smith single-handedly fought off two assaults by German troops. While his comrade lay wounded near him, Smokey held off the enemy until they gave up and retreated.
Today Smokey Smith lives in Vancouver and travels extensively as an ambassador for veterans. He was here in Ottawa on Thanksgiving weekend at the national war memorial. Last year during Veterans Week, Smokey visited the House where members paid him tribute. This year he is proudly featured on the Veterans Week poster.
On this anniversary of Smokey Smith's amazing act of bravery, we wish him many more years of good health and happiness.