Mr. Speaker, this past Friday, history was made in Ottawa. For the first time, the “lest we forget” poppy flag was raised on Parliament Hill to mark the beginning of Veterans' Week and the Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy campaign. This powerful moment was driven by the dedication of Donald Eenkooren, a proud Canadian Armed Forces veteran and member of the New Hamburg Legion in Kitchener—Conestoga.
Donald understands the importance of visibly honouring those who served, and he turned that belief into a national moment. With support from the local New Hamburg branch, Branch 532 of the Legion, and support from my office, his vision was brought to life. Standing with veterans, fellow members of Parliament and the Minister of Veterans Affairs, I was deeply moved as Donald raised the flag for the first time on Parliament Hill. That ceremony reminds us that national traditions can begin with a single determined voice.
Let the poppy flag be a promise that we will remember, we will honour and we will continue to support our veterans and their families. Lest we forget.