Ontario-made military vehicle honoured for important role in protecting Canadians
DURHAM REGION and QUINTE WEST, ON, Sept. 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Canada Company, the leader in Military Transition, is unveiling Canada's first National monument locations dedicated to Canadian Afghan Veterans featuring the iconic LAV III military vehicle. The monuments, located along the Highway of Heroes, recognize the role the Ontario manufactured LAV III played in keeping Canadian Veterans safe by protecting them from multiple threats including weather, terrain and opposing military in Afghanistan.
The National monuments will overlook the Highway of Heroes where all 158 fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces from the mission in Afghanistan were repatriated back to Canada and contribute to the symbolism of this important route. Durham Region and Quinte West pride themselves in being military centric regions. Durham Region is home to one of the oldest regiments in Canada, the Ontario Regiment, celebrating their 150th Anniversary this year and the largest collection of operational military vehicles in Canada. The city of Quinte West has an extensive military history and is home to one of Canada's largest military Air Force Bases, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton. It's also the start of the 170 km route of the Highway of Heroes.
"Canada Company is committed to supporting the men and women who serve in our Canadian Armed Forces. The National LAV III Monument program offers communities a way to permanently recognize the sacrifices that they have made on our behalf," said HCol Blake C. Goldring, Founder and Chair of Canada Company and Chairman and CEO, AGF Management Limited. "Establishing National locations along the Highway of Heroes makes perfect sense. Both communities are very involved in the military and are aware of the Afghanistan conflict. Their unique connection with all of the Fallen will serve as a beacon of appreciation across our nation."
Administered by Canada Company, the LAV III Monument program is a community funded initiative providing full-size decommissioned replica LAV IIIs to qualifying Canadian communities. These military vehicles are manufactured by Canadians at General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario, donated by the Government of Canada and built by Militex Coating Inc. and Fanshawe College students. The LAV III's played an important role for the Canadian military in carrying-out their missions to restore peace and freedom to the people of Afghanistan. The program is chaired by Tom Jenkins and run by a volunteer group passionate about paying tribute to the 40,000 members who served in Afghanistan.
The municipality of Durham has donated a large area within its sports complex, acting as a new centerpiece to the neighbourhood park. In Quinte West, the National LAV III Monument will be placed in Bain Park, adjacent to the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial in Trenton.
Wounded Warriors' Highway of Heroes Inaugural Ride with 120+ cyclists will start its 120 km ride to Bowmanville after the unveiling in Bain Park, Trenton. Attendees include Mayor Jim Harrison and Trenton's Honourary Colonel John Williams. Additionally, Wounded Warriors will end its first day of riding to join the unveiling ceremony in Clarington Fields, Bowmanville between 2:30 – 4 p.m. The Mayor of Clarington, Member of Parliament for Durham, Erin O'Toole, the parents of fallen solider Darryl Caswell and Durham's Ontario Regiment will attend the ceremony.
"Having the LAV III Monuments installed along the route last traveled by our Fallen from Afghanistan is a fitting tribute for their ultimate sacrifice. They will serve, forever more, to echo the sentiments of sorrow and appreciation felt by the citizens who lined this route and its bridges during repatriation ceremonies for more than a decade," said MGen (ret'd) David Fraser who Chairs the Selection Committee for the LAV III Monument Program.
Learn more: www.lavmonument.ca
About Canada Company:
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Canada Company is a federally registered charity founded by Canadian businessman and Honorary Colonel, Blake C. Goldring M.S.M., LL.D., CFA. Canada Company takes pride in serving our country in many ways, celebrating our Military heroes, and their families, and fostering a mutually beneficial exchange between Canada's remarkable military and our innovative Canadian business community to create a Better Canada.
A trusted Program Builder, Canada Company offers the Military Employment Transition - MET Program; hosts the National Transition Symposium and Strategic Knowledge Exchange; and funds Scholarships for children of military members who gave their lives in service to our country. To learn more visit: CanadaCompany.ca
SOURCE Canada Company
Shawn Deane, Canada Company, D: 416.869.8456, M: 647.924.2934, E: [email protected]
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