Gord Brown recognizes local servicemen

October 20, 2006

Ottawa - Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, today rose in the House of Commons and recognized two Leeds-Grenville servicemen who gave their lives in Afghanistan.

Corporal Randy Payne and Private William Blake were both killed this year.

Brown said: "Mr. Speaker in April I had the sad occasion to pay my respects to Corporal Randy Payne of my riding who was killed in Afghanistan.

"His name has since been inscribed on the Cenotaph in Gananoque where he grew up and in early November a tree will be dedicated in his honor on Remembrance Road in Mallorytown where his wife and children live.

"Later this afternoon I will be in Kemptville, attending a memorial service for Private Blake Williamson who was killed in Afghanistan last week.

"He too will continue to be honored in his home town.

"Both these men were dedicated - honourable - courageous and personable. They have both been recognized as examples to their peers as they were growing up.

"Mr. Speaker, when Afghans no longer live in fear and poverty, we will continue to remember the role played by Corporal Randy Payne and Private Blake Williamson and the fact that they made the ultimate sacrifice.

"And we will continue to thank them."