October 20, 2005
Ottawa -- From November 5-11, the Government of Canada is pleased to mark Veterans' Week 2005 with events and activities across the country. A highlight of 2005 the Year of the Veteran, the week of remembrance will celebrate the theme, Honouring Veterans by Teaching Youth.
"For the past 10 months, the Year of the Veteran has attracted unprecedented public attention on and recognition of Canada's Veterans," said the Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "I am confident that Veterans' Week 2005 will only increase this high level of enthusiasm Canadians are demonstrating for our Veterans. Veterans' Week will offer Canadians, especially youth, the opportunity to interact with our Veterans, learn from their stories and ensure that the torch of remembrance is carried well into the future."
Communities across the country will take part in events to mark Veterans' Week, which will include everything from a special Remembrance Day Train Ride for Veterans, candlelight tributes, musical concerts, theatrical productions, and exhibitions.
In Ottawa, events will include a Remembrance Ceremony in the Senate of Canada, the unveiling of the 7th Book of Remembrance, entitled "In the Service of Canada" and the annual "Canada Remembers" theme week at Encounters with Canada. The week will conclude with cenotaph ceremonies on Remembrance Day, November 11, in cities and towns across Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada has also produced a package of educational materials to bring Veterans' Week and the important messages of remembrance into Canadian classrooms.
As a precursor to Veterans' Week, Minister Guarnieri launched the 2005 Veterans' Week poster at a ceremony at the National Arts Centre today in Ottawa. The "Teach" poster is the last in a series of five to mark the Year of the Veteran, and features three members of the Lawson Family, whose military service spans more than 60 years.
All Canadians, especially youth and community organizations, are encouraged to participate in and to initiate Veteran's Week activities in their local communities. Call 1-800-443-0394 or visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for events in your area.
2005 is the Year of the Veteran. Celebrate. Honour. Thank. Remember. Teach.
Regional Contacts
Atlantic Region
(902) 426-2026 (Dartmouth)
Ste. Anne's Hospital
(514) 457-3440 (ext. 2345)
(Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue)
Western Region Winnipeg
(204) 983-1893 (Winnipeg)
Quebec Region
(514) 496-6415 (Montréal)
Ontario Region
(705) 897-5895 (Kirkland Lake)
Western Region Vancouver
(604) 666-2014 (Vancouver)
- 30 -
Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468
Corey Hobbs
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
(613) 996-4649
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
