Government of Canada announces support for new memorial in Cates/Whey-Ah-Wichen Park

Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill is joined by MP Andrew Saxton for official unveiling and dedication ceremony                  

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced Government of Canada support for a new memorial to honour the service and sacrifices of Canada's Veterans. Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, joined the Parliamentary Secretary for the unveiling and dedication ceremony of the new memorial located in Cates/Whey-Ah-Wichen Park, a waterfront park in the Deep Cove area of North Vancouver.

Cates/Whey-Ah-Wichen Park has been the location for local Remembrance Day ceremonies for the past 30 years, and until now, has never had a dedicated memorial. Shaped from a natural jade boulder, the monument is inscribed with a maple leaf.

Today's announcement, and unveiling and dedication ceremony, coincides with the 100^th Anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the official launch of Canada's World Wars Commemoration period. The Government of Canada is committed to honouring all Canadian men and women who bravely served our country during the First and Second World Wars.

For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's commemorative activities and programs, please visit veterans.gc.ca. 

Quick Facts      

• The District of North Vancouver received up to $40,000, through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community War Memorial Program, to build the new memorial.
• Across the country, there are more than 6,000 cenotaphs/monuments dedicated to Canada's war dead and Veterans.
• Cenotaphs/monuments are places of remembrance, reflection, and thanks for those who have served Canada. #ShowYouRemember
• The period from 2014 to 2020 marks the centennial of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the Second World War.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to partner with the District of North Vancouver to provide the residents of North Vancouver with a place to gather and honour Canada's Veterans. This memorial is a fitting tribute to the service and sacrifices of our brave men and women. "
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs  

"It is important to recognize the remarkable contributions Canada's brave men and women have made, and continue to make, on behalf of our country. Our Government is honoured to support memorials, like this one, which will give Canadians the ongoing opportunity to remember and honour the efforts and sacrifices that were made."
Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs

"As a country, we have a duty to honour those who have bravely served. That is why our Government has invested in projects, like this one, aimed at ensuring that our fallen sons and daughters are remembered for decades to come. I congratulate the members of the Lynn Valley Legion and the District of North Vancouver for their efforts and support to make this new memorial a reality."
Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver

"The District of North Vancouver and the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation share a proud heritage and tradition of serving Canada in overseas conflicts for 100 years. We are very pleased to be able to share with the Tsleil-Waututh this monument to that selfless dedication of so many who gave their lives to ensure our collective freedom. I am honoured to be able to take part in this important ceremony on behalf of the Council of the District of North Vancouver and appreciate the support from the federal Government." 
Alan Nixon, Councillor and Deputy Mayor, District of North Vancouver

"On behalf of the Lynn Valley Legion, citizens of North Vancouver and project visionary, Mick Webb, I thank the Government of Canada and the District of North Vancouver for their support, as well as the Tseil-Waututh Nation for their collaborative efforts in making this memorial possible. I am pleased that Cates Park/ Whey-Ah-Wichen, a notable North Vancouver landmark and the site of annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, now has a fitting memorial to recognize the important role Canada's Veterans have and continue to play in shaping our nation. We are eternally grateful. Lest We Forget, Lest We Forget." 
Bill Calder, President, Lynn Valley Branch 114, The Royal Canadian Legion

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs, 613-996-4649 ; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468