Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Brampton South, today addressed hundreds of Canadian Forces members, Veterans, and their families at the Second Annual Veterans Rendez-Vous.
The day’s line up of events included a morning “War of 1812 to Afghanistan Memorial Ride” along the Niagara Parkway from Fort Erie to Fort George, followed by military vehicle displays, a car and motorcycle show, visiting writers, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal presentations, children’s activities, a barbecue and musical entertainment held on location at Branch 124 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“Today we are here to show support for both our Veterans and our service men and women who are still proudly defending Canadian values around the world,” said Minister Blaney. “Our Government commends the Canadian Veterans Advocacy for spearheading this fantastic day of celebration and thanks.”
“It is a privilege to be here this afternoon, to have an opportunity to meet and spend time with so many Veterans, service men and women and their families,” said Ms Adams. “Our Government is proud to work with the Canadian Veterans Advocacy and the Royal Canadian Legion to honour the service and sacrifices of our nation's truest heroes.”
While attending the Rendez-Vous, Ms. Adams had the privilege of presenting Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals to several recipients who were being recognized by the Canadian Veterans Advocacy for their significant contributions to the Veteran community.
Veterans Affairs Canada staff were onsite operating a display booth, informing attendees of the many programs and services available to Veterans, still serving members of the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada’s programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
Ottawa - More than 300 Veterans and their families gathered today for the 2012 Tribute to Veterans in Ottawa. The event started off with a motorcycle parade from La Cité Collégiale in Ottawa to the National War Memorial to pay tribute to all those who have served and lost their lives.
“I am so proud that the members of Veterans UN-NATO Canada have undertaken this unique tribute to those who have gone before them and to their comrades,” said Minister Blaney. “Their camaraderie and sense of family are inspiring.”
The 2012 tribute is organized by Veterans UN-NATO Canada, a group founded in 2008 in order to bring together men and women who have chosen to defend Canadian values by enrolling in the Canadian Forces. Primarily composed of modern-day Veterans, the group works to maintain the sense of family unity known to military men and women. It also works to break the isolation of those who have experienced trauma by offering them help and support. The group has members across Canada, in France, Germany, Bosnia, Japan, Thailand, Australia and New Caledonia.
During the commemorative ceremony, there were presentations from Veterans who have served Canada in United Nations and NATO peacekeeping missions. This is the fifth year the tribute has been organized by the association.
For more information about United Nations and NATO missions in peacekeeping, visit veterans.gc.ca
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Janice Summerby