View From the Legislature

On Sunday I was honoured to be present at the Steinbach Legion Award Ceremony, where three local Second World War veterans; Bennie Klick, Lloyd Lehman, and John Owczar received honours from Bruno Burnichon, Honorary Consul of France.

Amongst a full legion hall of friends and family, Monsieur Burnichon presented the three Canadian soldiers with the French National Order of the Legion of Honour, for their bravery fighting to liberate France in 1944, and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. This knighthood is France’s highest decoration and was established by Napoleon in 1802. Within the next year, close to 1,200 veterans in Canada will be receiving the medal.

There are few times in our lives when we can say that we have been in the presence of heroes and nothing made that more apparent than when Monsieur Burnichon poignantly said while fighting back tears “Thank you for saving my country.”

I was able to listen to each of these men’s stories, shared with us by their family and loved ones. The scope of what they said was staggering, nothing I have ever known could compare to the sacrifices these men made and the impact they have had on our world. Hearing their words was a humbling experience and made me realize that too often we take words like hero or honour for granted; and when we do use them, it’s often to describe our favorite hockey or football player or a political title.

Bennie Klick, Lloyd Lehman, and John Owczar are three men who truly deserve the title honourable and deserve to be called heroes.

Reflecting on these men’s service and sacrifice gives me a renewed perspective on just what it means to have the freedoms we enjoy as Canadians today. Monsieur Burnichon shared in the most heartfelt way possible how thankful the French people are to have freedom and democracy in their country and how they will never forget those who sacrificed for it. As part of a new government that upholds the very laws and freedoms these men fought for, I have a much greater appreciation for the democracy we have here at home. I also have a stronger appreciation for the sacrifice that is made by the families of those who serve as well.

On behalf of the Province of Manitoba and the constituents of Steinbach, I would like to thank all those men and women who have served our great nation, who continue to serve and keep us safe, and for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget you.