April 11, 2005 Winnipeg -- Today, the Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba; The Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada; and His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg, officially launched the Province of Manitoba's Year of the Veteran Book of Thanks at the Manitoba Legislature. "I encourage all Manitobans and visitors to the Manitoba Legislature, to thank those who fought for our freedom by signing the Book of Thanks," said Premier Gary Doer. "This Book of Thanks is our special opportunity to remember the sacrifices and achievements of our veterans. Once the book is filled with signatures of appreciation, it will be placed on permanent display at the International Peacegardens." The launch of the veterans Book of Thanks, marks the first of many Year of the Veteran events to be held in Manitoba throughout 2005, Year of the Veteran. "The Book of Thanks will remind us of our debt to a selfless generation of Canadians. It is a debt we cannot pay back, so we have to pay it forward," said Albina Guarnieri, Minister for Veterans Affairs Canada. "We encourage Winnipeggers and Manitobans, especially our youth, to pay it forward by signing the Book of Thanks, and by participating in celebrations planned for Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day)." The Province of Manitoba, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the City of Winnipeg have a variety of activities planned to celebrate VE-Day, on May 8, 2005. Public events include: Tours of Brookside Cemetery, Freedom of the Province Declaration, parade, ceremony, and a grand reception at the VIA Rail Station. His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor for the City of Winnipeg said, "In 1945 citizens of Winnipeg were celebrating and welcoming home our soldiers. We have an opportunity to thank our veterans for how we live today by signing the Book of Thanks, and by celebrating on May 8, VE- Day." The Book of Thanks will be located in the Grand Staircase area of the Manitoba Legislative Building during the months of April and May along with the Veterans Affairs Canada War Medals Display. For more information, visit: www.vac-acc.gc.ca. 2005 is the Year of the Veteran: Celebrate. Honour. Remember. Teach. Thank. - 30 - Media Enquiries: Allison Zegalski Regional Director Prairie Region Veterans Affairs Canada (204) 983-1893 Corey Hobbs Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649 Brad Salyn Press Secretary City of Winnipeg (204) 986-4003 Dwight MacAulay Chief of Protocol Province of Manitoba (204) 945-3939 All Other Enquiries: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
