CALGARY, Aug. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, today joined members of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping at Peacekeeper Park to mark National Peacekeepers' Day.
"Canadians have served tirelessly in peacekeeping missions around the world," said Minister Fantino. "Today, we honour the men and women who have had a positive impact on the lives of many living in troubled regions around the world—bringing them hope for a better tomorrow."
"Today, we pay tribute to the Canadian men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend and restore peace around the world through their selfless dedication and courage," said MP Shory. "I commend the members of the Calgary Chapter of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping for putting together today's special ceremony and for continuing to honour peacekeepers, both past and present, on National Peacekeepers' Day."
Established in 2008, National Peacekeepers' Day is commemorated each year on August 9. This year, the ceremony marks the 65th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping operations. A National Peacekeepers' Day event takes place each year in Ottawa on the Sunday nearest August 9 at Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument. Local events are also taking place in communities across Canada.
The Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, Calgary Chapter, is receiving up to $4,350 through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund to assist with the eligible costs of today's ceremony.
For more information on Canadian Armed Forces peace support operations or the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, visit veterans.gc.ca.
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. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
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