NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Nov. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, honoured Canada's Veterans of the Korean War today at the 31st Annual Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Minister Nicholson also announced up to $10,000 through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund to support the event. Canadians across the country are showing they remember and honour Canada's Veterans during Veterans' Week 2013, from November 5 to 11.
"Our Government values and honours the contributions, accomplishments and sacrifices of all Canadian Veterans, including Veterans of the Korean War," said Minister Nicholson. "I am proud to be here today at the Winter Festival of Lights to pay tribute to the brave Canadians whose legacy is the peace and security we continue to enjoy today."
From 1950 to 1953, more than 26,000 Canadians served in Korea—working to restore peace and stability to the area. On July 27, 1953, the Korean War Armistice was signed, ending three years of hostilities. Some 7,000 Canadians continued to serve there between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955, with some Canadian troops remaining until 1957. In total, 516 brave young Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.
"In this Year of the Korean War Veteran, we mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea," said Minister Fantino. "I am proud that our Government continues to partner with organizations such as this to host important commemorative events for Canadians."
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/eng/events.
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
613-992-7468
Charlene Pascal
Communications Officer
Veterans Affairs Canada
416-954-0424
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Share this article