PRIME MINISTER HARPER HONOURS DIEPPE VETERANS IN HAMILTON

 Prime Minister Stephen Harper has honoured several surviving members the RHLI and other units who took part in the ill-fated raid on the French port of Dieppe on August 19, 1942. The Prime Minister visited Hamilton’s annual Dieppe memorial service on August 19th, 2008. It was 66 years to the day since the raid, which cost 907 dead - including 197 from The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry - from an attacking force of about 6,000 allied soldiers.

 The PM was in Hamilton to announce medical funding but his schedule conflicted with that of Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who had to attend the announcement but was scheduled to attend the Dieppe service at the same time. As a compromise, the service was delayed and PM Harper attended with the mayor following the announcement.

 Prior to laying a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada, the PM met the 10 veterans, shaking all their hands. During a short chat, the PM said “Thank you for your service to Canada, you are all heroes.”