Military History

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.