Mr. Speaker, today more than 200 veterans from the province of New Brunswick will be honoured for their role in liberating the Dutch from Nazi occupation during World War II.
In presentation ceremonies being held in Fredericton and Sussex, the Dutch government, with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Legion, will present these Canadian war heroes with a medal appropriately entitled the “Thank you Canada” medal. In an effort to present these medals to every Canadian who served in Holland, the Dutch government is planning five more ceremonies around New Brunswick before mid-July.
Canada has a long and proud military history. Whenever called upon, the Canadian forces has served with distinction, pride and honour. In 1945 thousands of Canadian soldiers fought for freedom from tyranny and today more than 50 years later the Dutch government is saying thanks to our Canadian veterans.