February 14, 2011
A heartfelt thank you to all of Canada's Veterans
-Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Ottawa — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), is encouraging Canadians to share valentine greetings with Veterans as a gesture of gratitude for their contribution to our country.
Earlier today, the Minister, accompanied by Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton visited the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre in Ottawa to deliver valentines. These cards were handcrafted by Canadian students as a gesture of heartfelt appreciation of Canada's heroes residing in long-term care facilities.
"Presenting our Veterans with these hand-made cards is our way of personally thanking them for their contribution," said Minister Blackburn. "It is truly heart-warming to see the love and attention put into these cards each year. Our Veterans deserve our recognition and our thanks."
"I know that Veterans truly appreciate receiving these cards," said Pierre Poilievre. "And it touches them to know Canada's young people are reaching out to them."
The Valentines for Vets program, run by Veterans Affairs Canada, helps Canadian schools, individuals and organizations send tens of thousands of Valentine's Day cards to Veterans in long-term care facilities across Canada. In its 15th year, the program will see Veterans in more than 2,000 long-term care facilities receive cards this Valentine's Day.
Valentines for Vets began in 1989 when Ann Landers, the late American newspaper columnist, made a call to action in her column, encouraging her readers to send cards, on February 14, to Veterans in long-term care facilities.
For more information on the Valentines for Vets program, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at veterans.gc.ca and search "Valentines for Vets."
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-992-3465
All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca
