August 9, 2013
Saskatoon – On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, today joined members of the North Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping at the Saskatoon City Hall Civic Square to mark National Peacekeepers’ Day.
“Canadian peacekeepers have been serving in other nations during times of unrest for more than 60 years,” said Minister Fantino. “More than 125,000 Canadians have served around the world, protecting an often fragile peace, attempting to restore peace where none exists, and defending human rights and freedoms.”
“It was on this day in 1974 that Canada suffered its greatest single-day loss of lives on a United Nations peacekeeping mission, when nine of our own were killed while flying a supply mission in the Middle East,” said MP Hoback. “Canadian peacekeepers and Veterans are the embodiment of loyalty, dedication, perseverance, integrity and courage.”
Established in 2008, National Peacekeepers’ Day is commemorated each year on August 9. This year, the ceremony marks the 65th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping operations. A National Peacekeepers’ Day event takes place each year in Ottawa on the Sunday nearest August 9 at Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument. Local events are also taking place in communities across Canada.
The Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, North Saskatchewan Chapter, is receiving up to $1,400 through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community Engagement Partnership Fund to assist with the eligible costs of today’s ceremony.
For more information on Canadian Armed Forces peace support operations or the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, 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 defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada’s role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.
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