Minister Fantino Marches with Veterans in the “Salute to Veterans and Military Valour” BC Lions Half-Time Show

VANCOUVER, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today joined approximately 1,000 Veterans, men and women in uniform, cadets and massed pipe and drum bands to march on the field at half-time in salute to Veterans and still-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

"I am honoured to have had the opportunity to share the field with these great Canadians and to have witnessed the gratitude and appreciation of the Canadian people for the Veterans and the men and women who still serve," said Minister Fantino. "Our Government is very proud of the partnerships we enjoy with the Canadian Football League and the Royal Canadian Legion British Columbia / Yukon Command to preserve the memory of Canadian Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

Through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund (CEPF), the Royal Canadian Legion British Columbia/ Yukon Command is receiving up to $5,000 to present the "Salute to Veterans and Military Valour" half-time show. The CEPF, administered by Veterans Affairs Canada, provides funding for non-profit organizations, educational institutions and other groups interested in planning remembrance initiatives.

While in British Columbia, Minister Fantino also presented Jim Howard, of the Vancouver Poppy Fund, with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his service to Veterans in need. The commendation is presented to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.

This Veterans' Week, your challenge is to show you remember. Wearing a poppy, attending a local Remembrance Day ceremony and changing your Facebook profile picture to a poppy are all ways to remember and honour Veterans. Visit veterans.gc.ca to get interactive and share your thoughts or to find commemorative events in your community.

For more information about commemorative events in your area, visit veterans.gc.ca/iremember.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-746

Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649