Mr. Speaker, on February 23, at the southwest African Heritage Month gala, it was an honour to present the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to my friend Eric “Chuck” Smith.
I have known Chuck for over 30 years. His service, leadership and vision have left a lasting mark on Yarmouth and far beyond. He embodies the very spirit of community. As a talented basketball coach, he gave time freely, helping young people build confidence, discipline and teamwork, and as a member of the board of the Nova Scotia Black cultural society, he advocates for the education, preservation and recognition of Black history and culture in our province.
Chuck worked tirelessly to install a monument honouring the men of the First World War's segregated No. 2 Construction Battalion in the town of Yarmouth, where many of the soldiers were from. Through his leadership, passion and persistence, that vision became reality. Chuck's hard work ensured that the men of the No. 2 Construction Battalion are recognized.
I thank Chuck for his commitment to honouring those who came before us.