June 8, 2012
Saint-Romuald, Quebec — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today participated in a Normandy Day commemorative ceremony involving Veterans and students from École secondaire de l’Aubier. The event gave students an opportunity to learn more about the significant role Canadians played in the liberation of Normandy during the Second World War. Minister Blaney announced support of up to $5,000 toward costs of the event including musicians, singers, wreaths and the flight of doves, through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community Engagement Partnership Fund.
“Our Government is proud to support activities which encourage young people of all ages to discover history and honour the selfless sacrifices of our Veterans,” said Minister Blaney. “Our Veterans played a significant role in the liberation of Normandy, and the men and women serving in the Canadian Armed Forces today also deserve to be honoured and remembered for their contributions and sacrifices.”
The Fondation du Régiment de la Chaudière is the organization behind the Normandy Day event, one of many such events held around the world over the past 10 years to commemorate the liberation of Normandy. The Régiment de la Chaudière, based in Lévis, is one of the only French Canadian regiments that landed on the beaches of Normandy on D Day, June 6, 1944.
The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding for non-profit organizations, schools and other groups interested in organizing remembrance initiatives. Funding applications are accepted throughout the year.
For more information on the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, D Day or the Battle of Normandy, visit veterans.gc.ca.
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