Mr. Speaker, since 1945, May 8 has been known as Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day. It is the day our allied forces triumphed over adversity, the day that marked the end of the second world war in Europe.
It was a day of great celebration. However, the joy was tempered by the memory of fallen comrades and preparations for the final struggle in the Pacific. When British Prime Minister Winston Churchill went on the air to declare Victory in Europe Day, he told listeners, “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead”.
More than one million courageous servicemen and servicewomen left their homes, their families and their friends to serve Canada during the second world war. Tragically, 47,000 would never return.
The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to Canada's veterans. We encourage Canadians to honour and respect the tremendous sacrifices and achievements of our men and women who have served and who continue to serve today. We are here today because of them and we owe it to them.
Canada remembers VE Day.