Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to mark Veterans Week this year, we recall one of the most hard-fought battles of the first world war.
In the summer of 1917, the British and the Australians had limited success in capturing the German occupied Belgian coast. Thus, the Canadian Corps was called upon to get the job done.
On October 26, 1917, the Canadians began their assault in the Passchendaele region. On November 10, the Canadians launched their final attack and secured victory for the allies.
However, it came with a very heavy cost. Almost 12,000 brave Canadians were wounded and more than 4,000 lost their lives.
On this day, we pledge to remember those courageous Canadians who served so we can enjoy the freedoms we do. Lest We Forget.