Ottawa - The Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, together with Mike Scott, Chief Commissioner, Scouts Canada, launched the "Invitation to Remember" program today in the Barney Danson Theatre at the new Canadian War Museum as part of 2005 the Year of the Veteran. This year, Scouts across Canada will present 150,000 "thank you" crests to veterans in their communities in appreciation and honour of their sacrifice for Canada. "There is a greater goal - to remind the nation that we still have a debt to a selfless generation of Canadians," said Minister Guarnieri. "It is a debt we cannot pay back, so we have to pay it forward." "Scouts Canada's 'Invitation to Remember' program provides youth with a very valuable educational opportunity. Personal interaction with Canada's veterans will allow them to feel a more direct linkage with these special Canadians," explained Mike Scott, Chief Commissioner, Scouts Canada. "This will be a unique experience for each youth whereby they can individually learn more about veterans and express their thanks and appreciation." The crest is designed to be worn as part of the veterans' civilian attire. The crest incorporates the words "Thank You" in acknowledgment of all that veterans have done to protect peace and freedom worldwide. It also includes the Year of the Veteran identifier, a poppy for remembrance and a gold maple leaf to represent Canada and its citizens. As part of its initiative to promote remembrance, Scouts Canada is also revising the requirements for earning Citizenship and Purple Star badges to include remembrance as a key element of merit. Scouts Canada's Leader Magazine will also feature Year of the Veteran articles throughout 2005. The articles will reach up to 28,000 Scout leaders and encourage them to promote participation in remembrance events, including VE-Day events in May, within their Scout groups. Funding for the Scouts Canada "Invitation to Remember" program and other activities was provided by Veterans Affairs Canada's Year of the Veteran Partnership Fund, which assists organizations in developing remembrance programming. Funding for this initiative is provided for in the 2005 federal Budget. Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, offers fun, safe, and exciting outdoor adventure for youth, age 5 to 26, in communities across Canada. Over 94,000 young people enjoy Scouts Canada's programs, which are provided by over 28,000 caring and dedicated volunteers. For more information about the "Invitation to Remember" program or Scouts Canada, visit www.scouts.ca. For details on the Year of the Veteran and planned initiatives in your area, or to view an image of the "Thank You" crest, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site or call 1-800-443-0394. 2005 the Year of the Veteran: Celebrate. Honour. Remember. Teach. Thank. Backgrounder - 30 - Media Enquiries: Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468 Stephanie Lewis Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649 Jennifer Austin Director of Communications Scouts Canada (613) 224-5134 ext 271 jaustin@scouts.ca All Other Enquiries: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
