November 7, 2013
Ottawa – On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, today joined members of the War Amps of Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, and local school children to thank Veterans during the 18th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day held at the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre in Ottawa.
“Judging by the number of students here today, the torch of remembrance is clearly being passed on to our youngest generations, and I am confident that the preservation of our Veterans’ legacy lies in good hands,” said Parliamentary Secretary Gill. “I’m pleased to see our Government’s efforts in action to engage Canadians, and youth and educators in particular, in honouring Veterans and still serving men and women in uniform.”
“This Veterans’ Week, I am issuing to all Canadians the following challenge: show you remember. The successful running of this yearly event in Ottawa is a great symbol that the community has accepted the challenge,” said Minister Fantino. “I invite Canadians to wear a poppy, attend a local Remembrance Day ceremony or participate in a worthy event like this; these are all ways we can remember and honour our Veterans.”
The event, organized by Veterans Affairs Canada and its community partners, featured information booths, commemorative displays and musical entertainment throughout the day. Local school children visited with the Veterans in attendance and toured the various booths and displays to complete an educational quiz on Canada’s rich military heritage. A ceremony of remembrance was also held, where Parliamentary Secretary Gill presented Certificates of Recognition to 18 local Korean War Veterans.
For more information about commemorative events in your area, or to get interactive and share your thoughts on remembrance, visit veterans.gc.ca/iremember.
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.
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