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House Hansard - 326

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 6, 2024 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 326 - Jun/6/24
Mr. Tim Louis (Kitchener—Conestoga, Lib.)
  • Jun/6/24 2:07:52 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to a resident of Kitchener—Conestoga, Stan Smurthwaite, a Royal Navy signalman who on D-Day sailed the SS Cresco, one of almost 7,000 vessels that was the largest amphibian invasion ever assembled, in an operation that changed the course of history. Signalman Smurthwaite, affectionately known as “steady light” by his D-Day comrades, risked his life to deliver ammunition to the brave soldiers storming the beaches of Normandy. Stan and others were a beacon of courage among the chaos of war. In 2019, Stan travelled to France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Unfortunately, he did not live to witness today's 80th D-Day commemoration, as he passed earlier this year, at the age of 98. Stan was the last D-Day veteran in the Waterloo region, so let us not forget our veterans' sacrifice, courage and indomitable spirit. Let us keep veterans like Stan etched in our hearts and memories to remind us that freedom is not free. It is earned.
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