Mr. Speaker, 80 years ago, Canada was at war. Canadian soldiers, sailors and air crew fought to guarantee that Canada would remain strong and free.
My grandmother, Helen Jamrozinski, fled Poland with her parents and siblings to seek refuge from Communist Stalin and the Russians. Because Canadians fought, she survived to find freedom and make a home in Canada. She has been telling her story to generations of schoolchildren. In the Netherlands, my dad's family was liberated from Nazi occupation by Canadians. Later, they also made their home here in Canada.
My family owes its very existence to Canadians who fought in World War II. Some 45,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them as we remember all of those who gave up their lives for our freedoms in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, in Afghanistan and across the world keeping the peace.
On behalf of myself, my family and my constituents of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex to the legionnaires and all Canadian veterans, we say a very grateful thanks.