Mr. Speaker, as a Canadian of Dutch descent whose parents felt the oppression of Nazi Germany invading their country, I am pleased to rise today to highlight the 68th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.
The struggle to liberate the Netherlands was an important chapter in the events leading to the victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War.
Over nine long and gruelling months, more than 7,600 Canadians gave their lives to help bring freedom and peace to this country.
Whether in my local Lincoln and Welland Regiment, which helped in the liberation at Bergen op Zoom, or in the graveyards of Holton, where a number of members of Parliament went last year and laid a wreath during that ceremony among the rows and rows of Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for liberation, we will always remember with everlasting gratitude the contributions of all who served and all who made the supreme sacrifice.
Let us never forget.