Minister of Veterans Affairs marks 20th annual Veterans' Week at Senate Ceremony

OTTAWA, Nov. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, joined the Honourable Leo Housakos, Speaker of the Senate of Canada and the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons, for a ceremony in the Senate Chamber today. The Senate ceremony is a signature event of Veterans' Week 2015.

This annual commemorative ceremony invites Veterans and currently serving Canadian Armed Forces personnel to help with the official launch of this important week, raising awareness of remembrance initiatives and bolstering continued support for Canada's Veterans. Special recognition was given this year to the 100^th anniversary of the writing of In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. During the current World Wars commemoration period, from 2014‑2020, the Government of Canada has been marking milestones in our military history that have shaped Canada's identity.

Each year, Veterans' Week is celebrated in Canada from November 5 to 11. The Government of Canada, as well as Veterans' groups, charities, and individuals throughout the country hold hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events to honour Canada's Veterans, the men and women who still serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, and to pay tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Quick Facts

• 2015 marks the 70^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, in which Canadians played a vital role. The campaign helped lead to Victory in Europe, now marked as V-E Day.
• 2015 marks the 100^th anniversary of the writing of In Flanders Fields, a poignant piece of Canadian history. The poppy, worn each year by citizens across commonwealth nations, was inspired by this poem.
• 2015 marks the 70^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in the Far East, known as V-J (Victory over Japan) Day.
• The World Wars commemoration period (2014-2020) marks the 100^th anniversary of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the Second World War.
• This Veterans' Week (November 5–11), the Government of Canada invites Canadians to join in honouring Canada's Veterans by sharing thoughts, photos or special memories of loved ones who served, on social media. Tag your post with #RememberThem to help show how Canada remembers.

Quotes

"Canadians come out in great numbers every year to show their heartfelt support for our Veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The many events organized in communities across the country honour our proud past and inspire younger generations who must carry the torch of remembrance."
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence 

"Our soldiers and Veterans ensured a safe future not only for all Canadians but also for other citizens around the globe by putting themselves in harm's way. Their love for our nation, as well as their sense of duty and their discipline, are a source of inspiration to us all. They represent the best of what we are as a country. Let us never forget our troops and their families, past and present. And may we never forget their sacrifices."
The Honourable Leo Housakos, Speaker of the Senate of Canada

"Veterans' Week is a time to reflect on the service, courage and sacrifices made by Canada's Veterans.  It is our duty as Canadians to keep the memory of the men and women who have protected our nation alive and well in our hearts and in our minds."
The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons

Associated Links

• Remember Them
• Canada's Military History

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Contacts : Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468