November 5, 2006
St. Catharines - Today, the community of St. Catharines gathered to honour Canadian recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC). Member of Parliament Rick Dykstra, representing the Minister of Veterans Affairs, participated in the opening ceremony of the Victoria Cross Display Exhibit held at the St. Catharines Museum.
"Soldiers like Fisher and Lyall defended the Canadian way of life, freedom, democracy and rule of law. Their actions are representative of the tens of thousands of Canadians who gave their lives defending our nation," said Mr. Dykstra. "This ceremony, and each day throughout the rest of Veterans' Week, is an opportunity for us all to remember, to share their story and to honour their courage."
As part of Veterans' Week events, the museum will display the Victoria Crosses awarded to St. Catharines residents Colonel Graham Thompson Lyall and Lance Corporal Fred Fisher, the first Canadian-born soldier to receive the VC in the First World War.
"The Victoria Cross is the highest award for military valour that can be won by a Canadian," said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "These men have shown extraordinary acts of bravery in the face of the enemy and Canada is forever indebted to them."
Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to helping Canadians, especially youth, learn more about Canada's Veterans. Each year 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."
Visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca to learn more about Veterans' Week and the events being held in your area.
- 30 -
Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468
Charlene Pascal
Communications Officer
Canada Remembers
416-954-0743
charlene.pascal@vac-acc.gc.ca
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
