Mr. Speaker, in a little less than two weeks, Canadians will commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the day when allied troops began the final push to free Europe from Hitler's tyranny. Sixty-five years ago, 15,000 young Canadians swept ashore at Juno Beach to give their all for their country.
When Canadian forces hit the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, they did not know if victory was assured. They did not know what the next day would bring. They only knew that they must go forward. They only knew that they must fight on. They only knew of their need for courage.
Canadians have long been willing to fight for their freedom and that day they did us proud. Believing in a cause greater than themselves, many sacrificed their all for a country they loved.
Over the next 11 days, I ask all Canadians to take some time to remember the battle, to remember the cause and to remember those who fought.