How to Celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation

OTTAWA, June 30, 2016 /CNW/ -

Dear Editor

Canadians will soon celebrate our 150^th anniversary as a country but it appears that the Liberal Government will break with tradition in how we recognize those individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community and country in helping us reach this milestone.

Recent media coverage suggests that the federal government will not proceed with a commemorative medal for the 150^th anniversary of confederation. If correct, the Legion calls upon the government to review its decision.

A commemorative 150^th anniversary medal is an important way to acknowledge this significant milestone in Canadian history. It is important because it affords the federal government the opportunity to recognize tens of thousands of Canadians who have had a positive impact in shaping our communities and our identity as Canadians in 2017.

The Legion has supported this commemorative medal program from its inception in 1967 when the federal government, under the Liberal Party, issued a centennial anniversary commemorative medal.  Likewise, in 1992, the Legion supported the federal government, under the Conservative party, when it issued a 125^th anniversary commemorative medal. Seen from this perspective, it would only seem logical that the current federal government would adopt a similar commemorative medal program in 2017 to mark the 150^th anniversary of confederation.

The Royal Canadian Legion, and its nearly 300,000 members, understands the importance of our citizens and their service to our communities and our country.  We hope that the federal government will transcend party politics and proceed with the commemorative medal program as reportedly already initiated by the previous government.

Dave Flannigan
Dominion President
The Royal Canadian Legion

SOURCE The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command

Bruce Poulin, 613-591-3335 #241