Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Cyrus Wesley Peck was born in Hopewell Hill, New Brunswick, on April 26, 1871. At the age of 16, he moved to New Westminster, British Columbia, and later Skeena. As a young man, he pioneered in the Klondike, and in 1915 set sail for England to fight in the Great War. While fighting in France, he was wounded in both legs, but he stayed on, and by 1916 he was given command of the regiment.
A Victoria Cross winner for conspicuous bravery, Lieutenant Colonel Peck was elected to the House of Commons while still serving overseas. He would dedicate much of his time as an MP working to establish pensions and benefits for returning soldiers.
Today, his Victoria Cross is displayed at the Canadian War Museum. He was a truly great Canadian.
Lest we forget.