Minister Guarnieri Announces 2005 as "Year of the Veteran"

News Release

November 5, 2004 Ottawa -- Kicking off this year's Veterans Week, the Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today declared that 2005 will be dedicated to paying tribute to Canada's veterans and will be known as "The Year of the Veteran." Minister Guarnieri made the announcement in an address to the annual Senate ceremony of Remembrance in Ottawa. Among those in attendance were Canadian veterans who recently participated in 10 days of events in Italy to mark Canada's key role in the Italian campaign during the Second World War. The delegation was sponsored by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and led by the Minister. "2005 will be a very special year for our Veterans of wars of the last century and Canadian Forces Veterans," Minister Guarnieri said to the veterans. "It is our never ending mission to thank Veterans who step out of ordinary times to do the extraordinary and give our nation and other nations an endowment of peace. The Year of the Veteran will enable the Government of Canada on behalf of all Canadians to express gratitude to those whom we owe a tremendous debt, one that only can be repaid through active remembrance." Throughout the Year of the Veteran, high profile ceremonies and events in Canada and overseas will commemorate the achievements and sacrifices of Veterans and recognize the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. While a comprehensive list of events will be announced when the Year of the Veteran is officially launched, highlights include: recognizing Second World War Veterans at Victory Europe Day in May and in August to mark Victory in the Pacific; opening the new Canadian War Museum with veterans as the first guests of honour; unveiling the Seventh Book of Remembrance at Parliament Hill to commemorate Canadian Forces members killed in service since the Korean war; continuing restoration work at the Vimy memorial in France; helping Veterans share their stories with youth. Veterans and veterans organizations are already involved in the planning for the Year of the Veteran. Distinguished Second World War veterans Smoky Smith and Cliff Chadderton will act as "Patron" and "Honourary Chair", respectively, for these Remembrance efforts. General Charles Belzile will chair an Advisory Committee. In the coming weeks, the Government of Canada will unveil its comprehensive plans for The Year of the Veteran. For more information on the Year of the Veteran, visit: www.vac-acc.gc.ca. - 30 - Media Enquiries: Mike Scandiffio Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649 Pamela Price A/Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (902) 368-0294 All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca

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Minister Guarnieri Announces 2005 as "Year of the Veteran"

News Release

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