Mr. Speaker, a century ago this week 100,000 Canadians were fighting at Passchendaele. By the end of this week, 4,000 had died, and 12,000 were wounded. Victory, but at a tremendous cost.
At the same time, Canada was waging its toughest election in its history. One Canadian was part of both campaigns. Sam Sharpe was a sitting member of Parliament who fought with the 116th Battalion at Passchendaele. He was re-elected in that election, but never took his seat.
The mental cost of the Great War took its toll, and weeks after Passchendaele he was hospitalized. Tragically, Sam Sharpe died by suicide a few months later.
We must remember during Remembrance Week that there is a tremendous history, but tremendous tears in our military history. We must also know that for some the battles do not end when a ridge is taken, or when troops return home. The scars from services can linger, but so should our commitment to help and remember.
Lest we forget.