Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to commemorate the Navy League of Canada's Navy Appreciation Day.
Our Royal Canadian Navy has a rich and storied history. During World War I, our navy valiantly defended North American coastlines from our adversaries. The second world war saw the Royal Canadian Navy become the third largest in the world, as it made major contributions to the Battle of the Atlantic. Throughout the war our sailors accomplished amazing feats, sinking 27 U-boats, sinking or capturing 42 enemy ships and facilitating over 25,000 merchant crossings.
Throughout the Korean War, the Balkan conflict and most recently the Libyan conflict and anti-piracy missions off the coast of Somalia, the RCN has diligently contributed to the safety of Canadians, our allies and, indeed, the entire world.
Today, I join the Navy League of Canada and Canadians around the country in expressing my deepest gratitude for our men and women of the RCN for their service and sacrifice.