Member of Parliament Patrick Brown Presents Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to Youth Remembrance Advocate

BARRIE, ON, Feb. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament for Barrie, presented local resident Madison Ford with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

"Last year, I had the honour to join Ms. Ford and thousands of other Canadian youth who gathered to mark the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Vimy, France," said Minister Blaney. "I was deeply moved by her passion for commemorating the contributions of our Veterans. Thanks to young Canadians like Ms. Ford, I am confident that the torch of remembrance will remain lit for future generations. Our Government is honoured to present the Diamond Jubilee Medal to those who make a difference in our communities through keeping the memories of Canada's Veterans alive."

Bear Creek Secondary School student Madison Ford joined more than 4,000 young Canadians from across the country in marking the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. She retraced the same steps taken by thousands of Canadian soldiers as they prepared for the battle on April 9, 1917. Prior to attending the ceremonies in France, Ms. Ford, representing the city of Barrie, addressed a large crowd at Green Park in London, England, and shared what remembrance means to her.

"By participating in commemorative activities, regardless of when, where and how they take place, young Canadians are proving determined to remember and pay tribute to our nation's truest heroes," said MP Brown. "In presenting this very special award, I want to let Ms. Ford know that her efforts to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women whose legacy is the peace and security we continue to enjoy have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated."

The Government of Canada encourages all Canadians to recognize the courage and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served our country. To learn more about Veterans Affairs Canada's programs, services and funding programs, 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