Hon. Marty Klyne: Senator Gold, having been born into a military family, I was deeply moved yesterday by Senator Varone’s powerful tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces and their role in liberating Italy during the Second World War.

My father was enlisted in the active forces with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. In July 1940, he served in the U.K., Continental Europe and the Central Mediterranean area, returning to the U.K. approximately five years later in August 1945.

I note that my father received 10 medals during his military career, including the Italy Star, having served in the Italian Campaign from 1943 to 1945.

Today, I, too, observe the eightieth anniversary of D-Day when Allied soldiers, sailors and flyers launched the invasion into Normandy. This included over 14,000 Canadians who stormed Juno Beach to throw back tyranny and liberate Europe.

Will you join me, and all senators in this chamber, in uplifting those heroes’ example to Canadians and to our future generations, and in honouring the valour and sacrifices of our great country’s Armed Forces — then and today?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. Thank you to your family, your father and all those who served so nobly and with such great valour. The thanks of a nation go out to all who served.

Canadians’ contributions in bringing an end to the Second World War and restoring democracy in Europe ushered in an era of rules-based international law which, though fragile, is nonetheless the best hope for humanity. I am happy to join my voice with yours — and all of ours — in paying tribute to all those who made that possible. Lest we forget.