April 9, 2012
Toronto — On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and and contributions of our Veterans are remembered for future generations.”
“It is heartening to see so many Canadians passionate about, and engaged in, the act of commemorating the valiant sacrifices of Canadians in theatres such as Vimy,” said Minister Van Loan. “Ninety-five years later, as we gather here to mark the Battle of Vimy Ridge, let us make it our sacred duty to always remember and honour our Veterans and the brave men and women who serve Canada so selflessly.”
Today, thousands of peop
Member of Parliament for York–Simcoe, today spoke at a ceremony of remembrance marking the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
“Today, 95 years after that fateful Easter Monday, we remember the brave men and women who sacrificed so much so we can live in a better world,” said Minister Blaney, who is leading a delegation in France to mark the anniversary. “These Canadians accomplished extraordinary things in order to protect our values of peace, freedom and democracy, and the rule of law. Our Government will continue to ensure that the sacrifices le gathered in France and in Canada to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, including 5,000 Canadian youth who are attending the ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. The Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge is thought to have been a key turning point in shaping Canada as a nation.
The commemorative ceremony in Toronto was organized by Mirvish Productions, in partnership with The Vimy Foundation, the Toronto Police Service and Veterans Affairs Canada. A staged meeting took place between Joey, the puppet horse from the theatrical production War Horse, and Vimy Ridge, a horse from the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit.
For information about commemorative events, please visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at veterans.gc.ca. Share your thoughts at facebook.com/CanadaRemembersExternal link, Opens in a new window.
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Phone: 613-992-7468
Codie Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 613-996-4649
All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca
