Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, I was in New York when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. I saw the bravery and solidarity and shared the anguish first-hand. As a Canadian, I was incredibly proud of how we rose to the occasion to support our closest friend and ally. From the hospitality showed by the people of Gander to fundraising campaigns to support the victims, to our government being the first one to suggest that NATO invoke article 5, we were there for the United States. As we have for generations, our troops bravely fought side by side with Americans in Afghanistan. More than 40,000 Canadians served in the conflict; 158 of our soldiers died, and over 2,000 were injured.
I know members of this place will want to join me in extending our deepest respect and gratitude to the men and women who served. Canadians will never forget their sacrifice. Our American friends should not forget it either.