Mel Arnold

Mr. Speaker, Greeting · 12 wordsI rise to pay homage to World War II veteran Alvie Burden.Greeting Claims · 119 wordsAlvie was a resident of Armstrong, British Columbia, and was not only Armstrong’s oldest veteran but also Canada’s oldest Black veteran of the Second World War.¹ Born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, in 1922, Alvie Burden joined the Canadian Forces at the age of 19 and was posted to the Saskatoon Light Infantry regiment.² Alvie served more than 21 months in the Italian and Dutch campaigns and was the only Black member of his company.³⁴ In Italy, Alvie Burden was nearly killed in action by shrapnel wounds to his head and wrists.⁵ Thankfully, Alvie made his recovery, lived on and helped younger generations understand the realities of war, until he passed on March 26 at the age of 104 years old.⁶ Thanks · 28 wordsAlvie Burden’s service reminds us today of the sacrifices that members of the Canadian Armed Forces have made and continue to make on our behalf. Lest we forget.Thanks