PENTICTON, BC, June 15, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, today joined members of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and local Veterans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the West Bench Veterans Tribute in Selby Park.
"Through the efforts of organizations such as the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, we honour the contributions of those brave men and women who fought and continue to fight in the defence of peace, freedom, the rule of law and democracy around the world," said Minister Blaney. "Our Government will continue to honour the legacy of our Veterans and those who continue to serve our country today."
The West Bench Veterans Tribute features a wall with the bronzed names of Veterans from the Second World War who settled in West Bench through the Veterans Land Act, cross referenced with their lot numbers and a gathering table with a steel cut map of the original subdivision.
"I commend the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices of Canada's Veterans are never forgotten," said Member of Parliament Albas. "Our Government is proud to support memorials such as the West Bench Veterans Tribute that help honour the sacrifices of Canada's Veterans and men and women in uniform."
For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit 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
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