Mr. Speaker, Canada has a proud tradition of brave men and women fighting for their country, and I am honoured to recognize one of Nova Scotia's finest veterans, the late Fraser Peter Hutchinson.
Mr. Hutchinson served in the defence of France in World War II, where he was wounded and captured. He escaped the prisoner of war camp and spent months trekking across Nazi-occupied Europe to find his way back to Britain. When he returned, he was the first Canadian soldier in the Second World War to receive the prestigious Military Medal. He went on to participate in the invasion of Sicily, where he became the first Canadian to capture an Italian prisoner. Although he returned home in 1943, he continued to serve Canada with valour until 1951.
Mr. Hutchinson risked his life on numerous occasions for our freedom but never wavered in his resolve to do his duty for his country. Mr. Hutchinson was a true Canadian hero, and I am proud to recognize him in this House.