OTTAWA, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, joined the Honourable George Furey, Speaker of the Senate of Canada and the Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons, for a special remembrance ceremony in the Senate Chamber today. The Senate ceremony of remembrance is a signature event and marks the beginning of Veterans' Week in Canada.
This annual commemorative ceremony invites Veterans and currently serving Canadian Armed Forces personnel to participate in the official launch of this important week, which encourages acts of remembrance and continued support for Canada's Veterans.
Veterans' Week is celebrated in Canada every year from November 5 to 11. The Government of Canada, as well as Veterans' organizations, youth groups, and individuals throughout the country hold hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events to honour Canada's Veterans, still-serving Canadian Armed Forces personnel and RCMP, as well as to pay tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty.
Quotes
"For over twenty years, Veterans' Week has brought Canadians together to honour the sacrifices and achievements of Canada's Veterans and still-serving military personnel. We want Canadians who have sacrificed and those who continue to serve to know – we are so proud and thankful for your service to this great country. We will always remember your contributions."
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"Over two million Canadian men and women from all walks of life have made, and continue to make lasting contributions during times of war, conflict and peace. Today, we commend the bravery of these individuals and reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. They have known first-hand what it means to face the many difficulties associated with military conflict and have given this country an immeasurable gift through their service. To them and to those who came before them, we are forever indebted and grateful."
The Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., Speaker of the Senate of Canada
"The Centre Block of Canada's Parliament Buildings stands as a memorial to those who served and died in the First World War. This year, Canada's fallen soldiers are honoured in a very special way: a visual display of 117,000 falling poppies will be projected onto Centre Block every evening until November 11th. The Poppy Drop is a beautiful and powerful commemoration of those Canadians who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy. I encourage everyone to take the time to remember them."
The Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons
Quick Facts
- This Veterans' Week (November 5-11), Canadians are invited to join in honouring the hundreds of thousands of Canadian men and women who bravely served our country during these conflicts.
- Next year, Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele and the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
- Since Confederation, more than 2.3 million Canadians have served in Canada's armed forces to defend freedom and democracy—with more than 118,000 having given their lives.
- Veterans' Week is a time when all Canadians come together to honour those who have sacrificed and those who continue to serve today to make our world a safer place. This Veterans' Week, Remember Them. Learn more at canada.ca/rememberthem.
- In a world where social media connects millions of us, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to take part in one or more acts of remembrance leading up to November 11. Tag posts with #RememberThem to help show how Canada remembers.
Associated Links
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Sarah McMaster, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649
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