East Ferris, ON — On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, today participated in the official unveiling of the new memorial in East Ferris, Ontario.
“Building new memorials like the one in East Ferris allows us to honour the brave men and women who have served our country and who have given so selflessly for our freedoms,” said Minister Blaney. “Our Government is proud to support projects like this one, which serves as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
“The East Ferris Cenotaph Memorial Park Committee has worked tirelessly to make this project possible,” said Mr. Aspin. “Memorials to honour our Veterans are important gathering places. They bring communities together and with support from our Government we will remember the achievements as well as the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country.”
The East Ferris Cenotaph represents all three branches of service and it commemorates those who served and those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, peacekeeping missions and the mission in Afghanistan. The area surrounding the new memorial includes a seating area and walkways for easy accessibility during remembrance services.
“After three years of hard work and planning, we are finally ready to dedicate the East Ferris cenotaph,” said Dan Corbeil, Councillor for the Municipality of East Ferris and Chairman of the East Ferris Cenotaph Memorial Park Committee. “Our goal has always been to build a memorial that could serve as a focal point for our community, to honour the sacrifices Canadians have made for the peace and freedoms we enjoy.”
In May 2012, funding of up to $50,000 was announced under Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community War Memorial Program in support of the construction of this new cenotaph in the Municipality of East Ferris. Today’s community-led unveiling ceremony also received funding of up to $1,150 through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community Engagement Partnership Fund.
Through the Community War Memorial Program, our Government is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of our Veterans and members of our armed forces by partnering with community groups and local organizations to build new cenotaphs and monuments.
Applications to the Community War Memorial Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones.
Non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events may also be eligible for funding under the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. Applications to this fund are accepted throughout the year.
For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada’s programs, services and funding programs, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
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