October 25, 2004 Ottawa -- An official delegation, led by the Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, arrived in Italy today to mark the 60th anniversary of Canada's participation in the Italian Campaign. The delegation includes Veterans of the Italian Campaign, representatives of national Veterans' associations, Members of the House of Commons, Senators, members of the Canadian Forces and a youth representative from each province and territory. Veterans will visit key Second World War sites where Canadians fought and are buried. "While in Italy we will pay our respects to the thousands of Canadians who are buried there and we will pay tribute to the thousands of Canadians who survived," said Minister Guarnieri. "They are the living legacy of one of Canada's most significant military achievements." The Italian Campaign, which began in July 1943, was one of the longest and fiercest struggles of the Second World War. Before its end in February 1945, some 100,000 Canadians would participate. During those 20 months, more than 26,000 young Canadians became casualties of war, including nearly 6,000 who gave their lives. The 10-day overseas event includes two signature Veterans Affairs Canada events. On October 27, a Ceremony of Remembrance will be held at the Moro River War Cemetery in Ortona, Italy. On October 29, A Tribute to Canadian Veterans will be held in Cesena. This event will also honour Ernest "Smoky" Smith, VC, CM, CD, who earned his Victoria Cross in Italy and is Canada's last surviving recipient of the Victoria Cross. On Sunday, Canada Post, as part of the delegation send-off, unveiled the artwork of two new stamps commemorating the 150th anniversary of the awarding of the first Victoria Cross to a Canadian. For biographies of Veterans in the delegation, information on events overseas and Veterans' Week (November 5-11), visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site. Should Canadian media wish to make contact with delegates, there will be a media relations contact in Italy. This individual can be reached by contacting Pamela Price at the contact information below. - 30 - Media Enquiries: Pamela Price A/Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (902) 368-0294 All Other Enquiries: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
