February 11, 2005 Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue -- The Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, brought a message of gratitude and appreciation from Canadians today when she hand-delivered valentines greetings to veterans at Ste. Anne's Hospital. The heartfelt greetings were created by school children and other Canadians from across the country as part of the Valentines for Vets program. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia, Liberal Member of Parliament for Lac-St-Louis, to Ste. Anne's Hospital, which is the sole federal hospital for veterans. Local school children were also in attendance. The Valentines for Vets concept began in 1989 when American advice columnist Ann Landers asked her readers to remember their nation's veterans on Valentine's Day. All valentines received by the Department are distributed to veterans in long-term care facilities across the country. "Valentines for Vets is an opportunity for Canadians, especially our youth, to express their caring thoughts of love and appreciation for our nation's veterans, especially during this special Year of the Veteran," said Minister Guarnieri. It has been the most successful year yet for the program. VAC has already received and distributed more than 12,000 valentines and they continue to pour in. These valentines contain messages of deep appreciation such as, "Brave and courageous you were and continue to be after your service. You are the greatest part of this country and your efforts will never be forgotten." Another reads, "You fought in defence of a nation and I would like to thank you for that." "Canadians are also being encouraged to remember veterans in other ways as well during this special year," said Minister Guarnieri. 2005 has been designated the Year of the Veteran. Throughout the year, high profile ceremonies and events in Canada and overseas will commemorate the achievements and sacrifices of Canadian veterans and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. For more information on the Valentines for Vets program or the Year of the Veteran, and how to participate, please see the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site. Valentine images and photos of today's event can be accessed there as well. - 30 - Media Enquiries: Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468 Mike Scandiffio Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649 All Other Enquiries: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
