Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five veterans in my riding.
Stanley Stepaniak, Joseph Meagher, Joseph Petrie, Marshall Desveaux, and Horace Lovell were recently awarded the highest medal of honour by the French government in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. This honour is bestowed upon all those who helped liberate France in World War II between June 6 and August 31, 1944.
I had the honour of attending the D-Day celebrations in Normandy earlier this month and witnessed first-hand the outpouring of support from French citizens. I also took part in the ceremony on Juno beach where French schoolchildren gave us sand to take back home to this Parliament.
Many of those killed in that invasion were Cape Breton Highlanders.
As Canadians and Cape Bretoners, we are very proud of what these young men did for us and our country.
I ask the House to join me in giving thanks to all those who served. We will be forever grateful to them.