News Release
October 20, 2006
Charlottetown - Today, Verna Bruce, Acting Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, accompanied by the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Provincial Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Wayne Hambly, Chair of the Fathers of Confederation Building Trust, and Second World War Veteran Bill Pierce, unveiled the official Veterans' Week 2006 poster at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.
"Our Veterans have helped shape Canada into the country it is today. In order for us to understand our country - its values and past - it is imperative that we understand our Veterans' experiences and contributions," said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, who participated in the national poster unveiling in Ottawa on October 18. "That is why it is so important this year that we urge all Canadians to Share the Story."
Veterans' Week is a time to teach youth about remembrance, to honour the sacrifice and achievements of Canadian Veterans and to pay tribute to those who died protecting the freedoms we enjoy today. The Veterans' Week theme for 2006 is "Share the Story."
This year, the poster's image is of Second World War Veteran Bill Pierce and young Brandon Derry both of Prince Edward Island. It is a poster representing a grandson trying on his grandfather's uniform. As he and his grandfather look at the reflection in the mirror, the grandfather is moved to share the memories of his service.
"The poster unveiling is a preview of what is to come during Veterans' Week and Remembrance Day activities," said Verna Bruce. "This is a special time of year dedicated to demonstrating to our Veterans how grateful we are as a nation."
In conjunction with the poster unveiling and keeping with the Share the Story theme, a special story time was held at the Confederation Centre Public Library. The children heard stories about the war and peacekeeping missions, and through the stories, learned why it is important to remember Veterans.
As a sign of this dedication, a 26 ft.-by-19 ft. banner reproduction of the poster has been placed on the outside wall of the Confederation Centre of the Arts and will hang facing Grafton Street until the end of Veterans' Week, November 5 to 11.
Each year, Veterans Affairs Canada produces a new poster to create awareness and pay tribute to Veterans who have served and continue to serve Canada at home and around the world. The poster is being distributed, along with other Veterans' Week materials, to schools and Legion Branches across the country, reminding Canadians that our Veterans' achievements and sacrifice must not be forgotten.
Visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site to learn more about Veterans' Week and the events being held in your area.
- 30 -
Media Enquiries:
Pamela Price
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(902) 368-0294
Richard Roik
Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
(613) 996-4649
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
