Mr. Speaker, yesterday and this morning in Halifax over 800 Canadian sailors were honoured for their contribution to the war on terrorism. Medals were presented to personnel who served on Canadian naval ships in the Persian Gulf. These ships were part of Operation Apollo, Canada's contribution to the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism.
The first ships arrived in the north Arabian Sea exactly one year ago this week. Among their many tasks the ships assisted French and U.S. vessels with maritime interdiction operations in the Arabian Gulf, joined the American Amphibious Ready Group as an escort ship, and conducted replenishment at sea operations in the Arabian Sea.
Canadians are proud of the military personnel who served on these ships and who performed such vital duties to make us all safer from the terrible threat that terrorism poses.
I ask the House to join me in congratulating them on the medals they received.