SUDBURY, ON, Nov. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - Project Honour and Preserve, a national initiative founded by a Greater Sudbury, Ontario man, is set to expand internationally to include the United States and much of the United Kingdom.
In November 2011, Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University was named by the Minister of National Defence as the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Irish Regiment of Canada. In that role, HLCol McCormick initiated and personally funded Project Honour and Preserve to raise awareness of the sacrifices and contributions made by Canadian Veterans while bringing public attention to important dates in Canadian Military history.
Through Project Honour and Preserve, HLCol McCormick has personally purchased hundreds of historic artifacts which he has donated to groups such as museums, affiliated military units, Veterans' associations, schools and veterans' families. Captured in these collections is the distinguished military service of Canadian Veterans spanning both World Wars, all conflicts and peacekeeping missions, in addition to those awarded by foreign governments for contributions to freedom and humanity. Other items donated include letters, journals, personal items and trench art belonging to Canadian Veterans who served during many of our Nation's most iconic battles such as Dieppe, Vimy, Somme, Normandy and Passchendaele.
In 2013, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WW1, HLCol McCormick embarked on an 18-month journey, at his own expense, to make presentations across Canada to museums and Veterans' associations. Privately and confidentially, HLCol McCormick also repatriated countless items belonging to Veterans and their respective families. Behind the scenes he has located families and ensured, at no cost to them, that their family member's medals are returned and professionally preserved for future generations to honour. Since that time, HLCol McCormick has expanded his dedicated efforts, to include repatriating objects that originate from the United States and United Kingdom.
HLCol McCormick was recently named a recipient of the 2016 Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, in recognition of his ongoing support of the Canadian Military including his committment to Project Honour and Preserve.
"HLCol Kevin McCormick is an outstanding Canadian who dedicates an impressive amount of his own personal time and resources in an effort to recognize the achievements and sacrifices of Canadian Veterans, and reunite medals and other personal effects to families," said LCol John M. Valtonen, Deputy Commander of 33 Canadian Brigade Group. "As we mark Remembrance Day I am pleased to learn that this project will not only continue, but also grow in scope, and honour the military sacrifice of our Allies around the world."
"It is critical that we both honour and preserve the sacrifices and selfless service made by the men and women of the Canadian armed Forces who through their dedication ensure the safety, security and freedoms of all Canadians" said HLCol McCormick. "I call on each Canadian to find their own unique way to honour and preserve the sacrifices made by members of the military, Veterans and their families. Whether it be through activities such as volunteering at a Veterans' centre, supporting military families, visiting a local military museum or creating a local community event, find your own personal way to support military members, by thanking them for all they continue to do!"
In addition to his ongoing efforts with Project Honour and Preserve, HLCol McCormick also has a rich history of supporting the Canadian Forces members, Veterans and their families through innovative programs and partnerships. Working voluntarily and independently, HLCol McCormick established the Canadian Homeless Veterans' Network, an initiative that supports Veterans through personal donations to shelters and service agencies. He has also used his own funds to create various bursaries and scholarships for members of the Canadian military and their families, while also working with the Canadian Armed Forces in the creation of educational programs that empower both serving members and those who have retired and are transitioning into new careers.
SOURCE Huntington University
Image with caption: "HLCol Kevin McCormick, who is also the President & Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University in Greater Sudbury, initiated and personally funded Project Honour and Preserve . (CNW Group/Huntington University)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161109_C6585_PHOTO_EN_813956.jpg
Image with caption: "Huntington University (CNW Group/Huntington University)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161109_C6585_PHOTO_EN_814021.jpg
Media Contact: Christine Catt, Director, University Advancement, Huntington University, 705-673-4126 ext. 211, [email protected], Huntingtonu.ca
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