December 1, 2013
Ottawa – On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, laid wreaths today on the headstones of Canada’s fallen with Wreaths Across Canada. The touching ceremony ensured those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country are never forgotten during this holiday season.
"Our Government is proud to support all those who have bravely served their country in times of both peace and conflict," stated Minister Fantino. "I commend Wreaths Across Canada for this special initiative. Remembrance is a year-round activity and laying wreaths on the headstones of the fallen is a poignant tribute during the holiday season."
Based on the Wreaths Across America program, Wreaths Across Canada ensures that Veterans are not forgotten during the holiday season. The non-profit organization coordinates the laying of a wreath on the headstone of every Veteran interred at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa. The wreath-laying ceremony is held annually on the first Sunday of December. The organization’s Newfoundland and Labrador Branch also holds an annual wreath-laying ceremony in Mount Pleasant Cemetery’s Field of Honour.
"I lay a wreath today to ensure those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country are never forgotten," stated Member of Parliament Brown. "On this occasion, our hearts go out to the family members of the fallen—the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for the peace and freedom we enjoy today."
Canada’s National Military Cemetery serves as the final resting place for those who died during active service to Canada, death related to that service, or who served and chose to rest among their fallen comrades.
For more information about Canada’s National Military Cemetery or the other monuments and cenotaphs located across the country, visit veterans.gc.ca.
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