Ottawa, June 9, 2010 — Senator Yonah Martin and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today welcomed 50 new Canadians and their families at a special citizenship ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Senator Martin attended the ceremony on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
The ceremony was presided over by Commodore H.W. Jung, Surgeon General of the Canadian Forces, Commander of Canadian Forces Health Services Group, and one of the Forces’ highest-ranking Asian Canadians.
“While often referred to as the “Forgotten War”, the courage and sacrifices of those who served in the Korean War are anything but forgotten, particularly in the hearts and minds of people of Korean heritage here and around the world,” said Senator Martin, the first Canadian Senator of Korean descent. “Remembering and reflecting on the contributions made strengthens our commitment to preserve the values that they fought and died for – freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law – values we all share.”
This special citizenship ceremony was hosted by the Canadian War Museum. Students from Corpus Christi Elementary School in Ottawa also received reaffirmation certificates.
“It is with pride that I welcome and congratulate these new citizens to our great nation,” said Minister Blackburn. “The values for which Canadians fought during the Korean War are the same values Canada’s military men and women are currently fighting to protect. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
For those interested in learning more about Canadian citizenship, copies of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) new comprehensive citizenship study guide, entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, can be downloaded for free from the CIC website.
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