News Release
November 2, 2007
Ottawa - The Honourable Rose-Marie Losier-Cool, Speaker pro tempore of the Senate of Canada together with the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, officially launched Veterans' Week 2007 today during the annual Remembrance Ceremony in the Senate. The theme for Veterans' Week 2007, November 5 to 11, is Lest We Forget.
Senator Losier-Cool welcomed participants in the Senate Chamber where paintings depicting scenes of the First World War prominently grace the walls. "These paintings are a constant reminder that generations before us gave the last full measure of devotion in a valiant fight to preserve peace and justice," said the Senator.
"Canadians have a proud history of defending peace and freedom and democracy in nations around the world," said Minister Thompson during his address. "As we gather for the launch of Veterans Week, we remember the sacrifices and celebrate the accomplishments of our brave men and women. We will never forget."
The Veterans' Week launch, held in the Senate Chamber, included a large delegation of distinguished Veterans, Royal Military College Cadets and Canadian Forces Representatives who have recently returned from serving in Afghanistan. Minister Thompson reminded the Veterans and current serving members that Canadians support them: "Never doubt that we support you. You give us 100 percent, and we will never give less than that to you".
During the ceremony, Minister Thompson also recognized the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, a series of intense battles which ended on November 10, 1917.
The Senate ceremony concluded with a commemorative wreath-laying by Senator Losier-Cool, Minister Thompson and Royal Galipeau, M.P.
For more information on Veterans' Week events across Canada, or to add an event to the Veterans' Week events list, please visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site.
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
