May 31, 2013
Ottawa – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, today issued the following statement to mark the 111th anniversary of the end of the South African War.
“Our country’s tradition of international military service and sacrifice can in many ways be traced back to the South African War, fought between 1899 and 1902. For the first time, large numbers of Canadian soldiers served overseas. More than 7,000 Canadians volunteered for service during the war, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging on May 31, 1902.
“The skill, courage and sacrifice demonstrated by those Canadians would be seen again in the years to come, whether in the First or Second World War, the Korean War, or in modern operations such as Afghanistan. This conflict also marked the first time Canadian women served with the military overseas, as 12 nursing sisters helped the sick and wounded in South Africa.
“Approximately 280 Canadians gave their lives and more than 250 were wounded. The names of the fallen are recorded in the South African War / Nile Expedition Book of Remembrance, which is displayed in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
“On this day, Canada remembers the heroic efforts of those who fought for freedom. Today, we remember the South African War.”
For more information on the South African War and the Books of Remembrance, visit veterans.gc.ca.
2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada’s role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca, visit our “Canada Remembers” Facebook page to leave a message of remembrance or follow us on Twitter @VeteransENG_CA.
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