VICTORIA, Aug. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, today joined members of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping at the British Columbia Legislature Building to mark National Peacekeepers' Day.
"Today, we honour Canadian peacekeepers who have defended and restored peace around the world while demonstrating loyalty, dedication, perseverance, integrity and courage," said Minister Fantino. "It was on this day in 1974 that Canada suffered its greatest single-day loss of lives on a United Nations peacekeeping mission when nine of our own were killed while flying a supply mission in the Middle East."
"Canada has a long and proud history of peacekeeping efforts around the world," said Minister Duncan. "I am proud to be here in Victoria to honour the Canadian men and women who have defended and restored peace around the world."
Established in 2008, National Peacekeepers' Day is commemorated each year on August 9. This year, the ceremony marks the 65th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping operations. A National Peacekeepers' Day event takes place each year in Ottawa on the Sunday nearest August 9 at Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument. Local events are also taking place in communities across Canada.
For more information on Canadian Armed Forces peace support operations, 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 defend the Republic of Korea and 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
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Share this article