News Release
November 1, 2007
Ottawa - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, will mark Veterans' Week 2007, from November 5-11, with a national tour to meet with Veterans, share the importance of Remembrance with our youth, and attend commemorative events that pay tribute to Canada's fallen heroes.
"One of the greatest gifts we can give our Veterans is the gift of Remembrance," said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "The activities planned for Veterans' Week are a reflection of Canada's proud commitment to our Veterans, and to commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the values we all cherish. We live in a blessed nation and we owe much of that- if not all of it-to our men and women in uniform."
Minister Thompson will participate in the following events during Veterans' Week:
November 1 - Approximately 3:00 p.m.
Minister's statement in the House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario
November 2 - 9:30 a.m.
Veterans' Week Senate Ceremony, Ottawa, Ontario
November 3 - 7:30 p.m.
BC Lions' Salute to Veterans, BC Lions' Football Game, Vancouver, British Columbia
November 5 - 10:00 a.m.
Launch of Virtual Exhibition: A Canadian in Normandy 1944, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec
November 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Remembrance and Candlelight Ceremony, Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax, Nova Scotia
November 6 - 9:30 a.m.
Dominion Institute Memory Project (classroom panel discussion), Ottawa, Ontario
November 6 - 7:00 p.m.
Two Minutes of Silence - A Pittance of Time (Terry Kelly theatre production), Edmonton, Alberta
November 7 - 6:30 p.m.
Ridgewood Candlelight Vigil, Saint John, New Brunswick
November 9 - 10:00 a.m.
Visit to George Street Middle School, Fredericton, New Brunswick
November 10 - 9:00 p.m.
Wreath-laying Ceremony at Monument to the Fallen (set to coincide with a ceremony in Busan, Korea to mark the deaths of those who fought in Korea), Ottawa, Ontario
November 11 - 11:00 a.m.
National Remembrance Day Ceremony, Ottawa, Ontario
November 11 - Evening
Remembrance Day Dinner, St. George, New Brunswick
November 15 - 11:30 a.m.
HISTOR!CA - Encounters with Canada Luncheon, Ottawa, Ontario
All times are listed in local time
Veterans Affairs Canada has also produced a package of educational materials to bring Veterans' Week and the important messages of remembrance into Canadian classrooms. All Canadians, especially youth and community organizations, are encouraged to take an active role in Veterans' Week activities in their local communities. Visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for more information on events in your area.
Veterans' Week 2007 - Lest We Forget
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468
Richard Roik Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs 613-996-4649
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
