Minister Blaney Participates in Unveiling of Stamp Commemorating Charles-Michel de Salaberry

QUÉBEC CITY, May 23, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, was invited today to participate in the unveiling of a stamp commemorating Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry. Minister Blaney joined representatives of the Voltigeurs Museum and Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Bélanger, Commanding Officer of Les Voltigeurs de Québec, for the unveiling which took place at the Étienne-Parent Library in de Salaberry's birthplace, the borough of Beauport.

"During the past year, Canadians have paid tribute to many heroes of the War of 1812. I am especially proud to be here today at the unveiling of this stamp in honour of Lieutenant-Colonel de Salaberry, a true French-Canadian hero," said Minister Blaney. "Salaberry and his Voltigeurs are known for having bravely defended Canada 200 years ago, and we must never forget the sacrifices they made, as they participated in building the Canada we know today."

The stamp is part of a series marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Two stamps— including the one in honour of Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry—will be issued on June 20, 2013 by Canada Post.

A lieutenant-colonel in the British Army, Salaberry is best known for winning the Battle of Châteauguay in October 1813. With a smaller force than the enemy, composed entirely of Lower Canadian (Quebec) Militia and Mohawk allies, he managed to make them retreat by ordering his men to assault, while screaming, thereby tricking them into believing that his force was much larger than its actual numbers. It is thanks to this maneuver that Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry repelled the American troops and saved Montréal from a large-scale attack.

The heritage of the Canadian Voltigeurs regiment, who was among the troops led by Salaberry during the battle, is today perpetuated by Les Voltigeurs de Québec, who also carry the CHATEAUGUAY battle honour.

To find out more about the 1812 commemorative stamp series, please visit canadapost.ca, and to discover the stories of today's Canadian Veterans, please 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