Last Post Fund Applauds Veterans Ombudsman's Report "Serve with Honour-Depart with Dignity"

MONTREAL , Sept. 24 /CNW Telbec/ - "The veterans' Ombudsman has once again capably demonstrated the importance and utility of his position, in fulfillment of his mandate, with the recent release of his report on the federal government's Funeral and Burial Program.

The Ombudsman's thorough, and now public report, raises a number of issues that concern the honour and respect that is owed to our veterans, their families, and survivors. "I especially commend the Ombudsman, Colonel (retired) Pat Strogran, for bringing a greater public awareness to the Last Post Fund during the centennial anniversary of its founding", stated LGen (retired) Lou Cuppens, National President of the Last Post Fund.

"From our founding, created by a most notable act of charity, to the present, the Last Post Fund continues to honour all veterans and their loved ones. The Ombudsman raises a number of issues and recommendations for consideration by the government. Many of these have been advocated by veterans groups across Canada for several years", says Cuppens.

"Since the Last Post Fund administers the Funeral and Burial Program on behalf of the Federal Government, it is inappropriate for the Last Post Fund to make comment on the recommendations that have been made. I remain most confident that Veterans Affairs Canada will consider all of the issues and recommendations made by the Ombudsman and that they will take actions as appropriate in a timely fashion", Cuppens commented.

"For years, veterans groups have recommended the creation of a veterans' Ombudsman, and this report is but one example of the wisdom in establishing such a position", concluded LGen Cuppens. The Ombudsman made public his report at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa on 23 September 2009 .

For further information: Eliane Francoeur, Communications Officer, Last Post Fund, 1-800-465-7113