Lieutenant-General Walter Semianiw Attends Camp Hill Candlelight Ceremony to Mark Veterans' Week 2012 in Halifax

HALIFAX, Nov. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadians across the country are taking the time to remember and honour our Veterans during Veterans' Week 2012, from November 5^th to 11^th. Lieutenant-General Walter Semianiw, along with residents of the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building and their families, remembered with a candlelight ceremony today.

"We must commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the brave Canadians whose legacy is the peace and security we continue to enjoy as Canadians," said Minister Blaney. "The contributions made by Canada's Veterans and men and women in uniform have helped to shape our national identity and secure our future."

This year marks significant historical military milestones with the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 95^th anniversary of the capture of Passchendaele and the 70^th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. Each year, from November 5 to 11, Canadians join together to celebrate Veterans' Week.

"I am honoured to participate in this candlelight tribute at the cenotaph at Camp Hill's Veterans' Memorial Garden as we take time to remember the countless contributions of the very Veterans who are with us this evening," said Lieutenant-General Semianiw, Assistant Deputy Minister at Veterans Affairs Canada. "This exceptional memorial garden is a beautiful tribute and a tranquil place of remembrance and reflection that we all can enjoy."

The largest Veterans' long-term care facility in Atlantic Canada, the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building has been providing care and services to eligible war Veterans since 1917. The facility is managed by the Capital District Health Authority and provides a full spectrum of care including long-term palliative care, occupational therapy programs, pastoral care, psychology and recreation programs. The Veterans' Memorial Garden provides a tranquil setting where resident Veterans and their families can relax, reflect and connect with nature.

This Veterans' Week, take time to remember by attending a Remembrance Day ceremony, visiting a local cenotaph or monument, sharing your thoughts of remembrance online, or wearing a poppy with pride. Learn more and find remembrance events and activities in your area at veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Media inquiries:

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Michelle Wright
Acting Regional Director of Communications and
Commemoration, Atlantic
Veterans Affairs Canada
902-426-0635