Government of Canada to Commemorate 70th Anniversary of the Italian Campaign

Minister of Veterans Affairs invites Canadian Veterans of the Italian Campaign to take part in ceremonies in Italy

OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide a $2,000 in travel subsidy to Veterans of the Italian Campaign who want to attend commemorative events marking the 70^th anniversary in Italy.

An official Government of Canada delegation, led by Minister Fantino, will include Veterans and will honour the sacrifices made by those who served, and participate in commemorative ceremonies from November 24-28, 2014.

Quick Facts

• During the Second World War, more than 93,000 Canadians fought to liberate Italy, and almost 6,000 lost their lives.
• Commemorative ceremonies marking the 70^th anniversary of the Italian Campaign will take place in Italy from November 24-28, 2014 at the Cassino War Cemetery, the Price of Peace Monument in Ortona, the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, and the Coriano Ridge War Cemetery.
• Canadian Veterans of the Italian Campaign are eligible to apply for travel subsidy and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible by contacting 1-866-522-2122, visiting veterans.gc.ca or e-mailing [[email protected]]
• This year, the Government of Canada is marking a number of commemorative events, including the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the start of the Second World War.

Quotes

"A brave, though relatively inexperienced group of men and women entered into the Second World War, willing to sacrifice for the greater good of people everywhere. As an Italian-born Canadian, I am extremely proud of the success Canada had during the Italian Campaign, one of the longest and fiercest struggles of the Second World War."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

Associated Links

• The Italian Campaign
• The 70^th anniversary of the Italian Campaign Travel Subsidy Form

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468