Canadian D-Day Veterans invited to take part in ceremonies in France
OSHAWA, ON, March 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today joined with Parliamentary Secretary Erin O'Toole at the Ontario Regiment Armouries, in Oshawa, to announce the Government of Canada's intent to provide financial support to help Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy attend 70th anniversary commemorative events in France on June 6, 2014.
This is part of a special week of events taking place from June 5 to 8, 2014, when Veterans and delegates from participating countries will gather in France to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing Canada's proud military history and the bravery and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform as the country approaches the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
Minister Fantino invited Canadian D-Day Veterans to reach out to Veterans Affairs Canada so that they can take part in the overseas ceremonies. All Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy are eligible to apply 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].
Quick Facts
Quotes
"The success achieved in Normandy is a pivotal moment in Canadian history, and is now deeply rooted in our national character. It is a humbling honour to once again pay tribute to Canada's brave Veterans and express our gratitude on the 70th anniversary of D-day."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"It is a privilege to celebrate the valour shown by Veterans of the Second World War, defending values that we share as a nation. Now, 70 years after D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, Canadians continue to find inspiration in that extraordinary achievement."
Major-General Richard Rohmer, OC, CMM, DFC, QC, Senior D-Day/Battle of Normandy Veteran, Minister's Advisor of the 70th anniversary of D-Day
"Communities in Durham, like towns and cities across Canada, respect the tremendous service and sacrifices of our Veterans. D-Day represents the triumph of democracy over tyranny, and it is important to commemorate with the Canadians who were part of this victory."
Erin O'Toole, MP for Durham and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade
"As the host venue for the D-Day 70th anniversary ceremony, the Juno Beach Centre is pleased that the Government of Canada will support Canadian Veterans as they return to Normandy for this important milestone in Canadian history. We continue to honour their service and to commemorate Canada's contribution during the Second World War."
Don Cooper, President of the Juno Beach Centre Association
Associated Links
Image with caption: "From left to right, LCol John Fotheringham, Juno Beach Centre Director, Member of Parliament Erin O'Toole,Veteran Russell Scott, Minister Fantino, Veteran Doug Finney, Dave Robinson EF Tours and Cliff Nienhaus, Ontario Regiment Volunteer, gather for the funding announcement in support of D-Day Veterans. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140302_C8562_PHOTO_EN_37421.jpg
Image with caption: "Minister Fantino announces Canada's intent to provide financial support to help D-Day Veterans and the battle of Normandy to attend the 70th anniversary commemorative event in France of June 6, 2014. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140302_C8562_PHOTO_EN_37419.jpg
Image with caption: "Minister Fantino speaks with SWW Veteran Russell Scott at the funding announcement in support of D-Day Veterans. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140302_C8562_PHOTO_EN_37417.jpg
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
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