Mr. Ed Holder (London West, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as
members of the House are aware, Saturday, June 6th marks the 65th
anniversary of D-Day. We must all take time to commemorate the
15,000 Canadian troops who stormed Juno Beach, fighting valiantly in
a battle that would signal the beginning of the end of World War II.
This moment and many more in our military history is a source of
pride among Canadians. It is said the greatest gift we can give our
veterans is a gift of remembrance.
Would the Minister of Canadian Heritage tell the House what
efforts are being made to remember the sacrifices of over one
million Canadians who served in the second world war?
Hon. James Moore (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official
Languages, CPC): Mr. Speaker, sadly and tragically, the World
War II generation is passing. The average age of a second world war
veteran is 86.
I am proud to announce that our government will provide the
necessary new funds to thememoryproject.com to create a permanent
electronic database of firsthand stories of World War II veterans.
Working with veterans' associations across Canada, we will meet
veterans where they live and record forever their stories of
sacrifice and courage, gallantry and struggle, triumph and tragedy.
Their words, their stories, our history, available forever online
for generations of Canadians to witness.
We are acting now to collect these memories while we can because
we must never forget.
