PARRY SOUND, ON, Sept. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka, today attended the dedication ceremony of the new Algonquin Regiment Monument in Parry Sound.
"Our Government is proud to support events and activities that bring Canadians together to express our gratitude to Veterans, men and women in uniform, and their families," said Minister Blaney. "Those who have served and continue to serve in the defence of peace, freedom, the rule of law and democracy around the world deserve our respect and our thanks, and through the efforts of organizations such as the Algonquin Regiment Veterans' Association, Parry Sound Branch, and the Town of Parry Sound, we honour the contributions of those brave men and women."
"This ceremony brings together our community to remember and learn about Canada's proud military history," said Minister Clement. "I am very proud that our Government is helping engage Veterans and youth alongside one another in the dedication and blessing of the Algonquin Regiment Monument to recognize the sacrifices of our nation's truest heroes."
The newly erected monument contains the names of the 372 Algonquin Regiment soldiers who died during the Second World War. The event consisted of a parade through the town of Parry Sound, a dedication and blessing of the monument and a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by refreshments served from a field kitchen provided by the Regiment. Participants included Veterans, troops from the Algonquin Regiment located in Timmins and North Bay, the band from the Grey and Simcoe Foresters, Algonquin Cadet Corp 3133, First Nations members, dignitaries and local citizens.
Through the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, the Town of Parry Sound is receiving up to $13,360 in support of the project. The Algonquin Regiment Veterans' Association is receiving up to $2,900 under the Community Engagement Partnership Fund in support of the dedication ceremony.
Applications to the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration 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 to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones.
Non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events may also be eligible for funding under the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. Applications to this fund are accepted throughout the year.
For more information on both programs, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
All other inquiries:
[email protected]
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