Minister Raitt Honours the Sacrifices of Our Veterans and Men and Women in Uniform

HAMILTON, ON, Nov. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, joined employees and management of U.S. Steel Canada Inc., Hamilton Works, for a Remembrance Day ceremony and cenotaph rededication. Canadians across the country are taking the time to remember and honour Veterans during Veterans' Week 2012, from November 5 to 11.

"Veterans' Week is a time when Canadians honour those who have sacrificed to defend Canada's values of freedom and democracy," said Minister Blaney. "They have earned the recognition of all Canadians. We must remember all Canadian Veterans and continue to honour those who serve today."

This year marks significant historical military milestones with the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele and the 70^th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. Each year, from November 5 to 11, Canadians join together to celebrate Veterans' Week.

"Building new war memorials and restoring cenotaphs and monuments can inspire a renewed sense of remembrance and pride in a community," said Minister Raitt. "It is gratifying to know that younger generations will continue to have a special place, like the newly restored USSC Wilcox Building War Vets Cenotaph, to reflect on our country's proud military history."

U. S. Steel Canada Inc. hosted a Remembrance Day service where the cenotaph was formally rededicated to honour the war Veterans who served in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.

The memorial was originally dedicated in 1959 to honour the more than 2,000 employees of the Steel Company of Canada who served during the Second World War and to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our great country. The memorial underwent a substantial renovation in 2012. Each year, hundreds of U.S. Steel Canada Inc. employees are joined by Veterans and honoured guests to pay tribute to our service men and women—both past and present.

This Veterans' Week, take time to remember by attending a Remembrance Day ceremony, visiting a local cenotaph or monument, sharing your thoughts of remembrance online, or wearing a poppy with pride. Learn more and find remembrance events and activities in your area at veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information:

Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Robert Macdonald
Senior Communications Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
705-568-4203

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Labour
819-953-5646