September 29, 2013
Gold River, B.C. – On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, participated in a monument rededication ceremony in Gold River today. Veterans Affairs Canada is contributing up to $12,895 toward the restoration of the Gold River Cenotaph through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program.
“It is our duty to remember and honour our Veterans, the brave men and women who served Canada so selflessly, and those who continue to do so today,” said Minister Fantino. “Our Government is ensuring cenotaphs and monuments continue to stand as enduring reminders of their achievements and sacrifices.”
“Monuments bring communities, like Gold River, together to share in their local history and to honour their local heroes,” said Minister of State John Duncan. “They provide a place in our communities to pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much for us and to reflect upon the cost of the freedoms we enjoy.”
The Gold River Cenotaph restoration work included constructing a new retaining wall; covering the retaining wall with a photographic wrap; cleaning the monument plaques and cross; and landscaping.
Funding for this initiative was provided through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program. Through this program, the Government of Canada works in partnership with community groups and local organizations to ensure that cenotaphs and monuments honouring our nation’s heroes are conserved to the highest standard of care and dignity.
Applications to this 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. For more information, please 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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