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Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson Governor General of Canada on the passing of Ernest "Smokey" SmithAugust 3, 2005 Smokey Smith was a wonderful Canadian whose friendship I was delighted to have. Every Remembrance Day he came for tea (and Scotch!) and was a vivid reminder of our country's heroism in World War II. During this past year, he joined with me and our veterans to commemorate D-Day, the Italian campaign in which he had performed his outstanding act of courage, and finally to the Netherlands. Like many others who serve our country, he took his place alongside his fellow comrades at arms to fight for freedom. It was a daunting task but he did it like his comrades without fanfare, without hesitation, with great pride and determination. His courageous acts in 1944 at Cesena, Italy were extraordinary and stood out against the dignity, bravery and perseverance of our Canadian Forces. He continued to make every effort to keep alive the memories of those years for subsequent generations. Smokey Smith, Canada's last Victoria Cross hero, is no longer the enthusiastic and smiling presence among us, but his spirit carries on. Adrienne Clarkson -30- Media information
Ernest "Smoky" Smith with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada and His Excellency John Ralston Saul during a tribute to Canadian veterans in Cesena, Italy, on October 27, 2004. Photo: Sergeant Eric Jolin |
