MP Susan Truppe honours Canada's brave men and women at Annual Warriors' Day Parade in London

LONDON, ON, Sept. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, today honoured Canada's Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members and their families at the 63^rd annual Warriors' Day Parade, which took place during the Western Fair in London, Ontario.

The Warriors' Day Parade is an annual opportunity for the citizens of London and its surrounding communities to honour past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today's event is taking place during Canada's World Wars Commemoration period, which coincides with the 100^th anniversary of the First World War and the 75^th anniversary of the Second World War. The Government of Canada is committed to honouring all Canadian men and women who bravely served our country during these two wars.

For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's commemorative activities and programs, please visit veterans.gc.ca.

Quick Facts

• The 2014 Western Fair will recognize fallen Canadian soldiers at the Warriors Day Parade by showcasing "Portraits of Honour" which will be carried through the parade route and into the grandstand by 158 volunteers from London and surrounding communities.
• Canada entered the First World War August 4, 1914, and the conflict ended November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice.
• More than 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the First World War. Sadly, more than 66,000 lost their lives and more than 172,000 were wounded in the fighting.
• Until 2020, the Government of Canada will commemorate and honour all the Canadian men and women who bravely served our country during the First and Second World Wars.

Quotes

"The importance of Canada's rich military history and the sacrifices and achievements of our service men and women are recognized on occasions such as the Warrior's Day Parade. I thank the Warriors' Day Parade Committee for saluting those who have defended, and continue to defend, our shared values of peace, freedom and democracy."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"The Western Fair Warriors' Day Parade is an important Canadian tradition that honours our Veterans and the brave men and women who continue to serve today. Through community initiatives such as this, the Government of Canada is committed to preserving the memory of Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women

"Once again the 63rd Western Fair Warriors Day Parade was a true success as we welcomed and honoured local Veterans of all ages. The community of London has shown such a long-standing dedication and pride for this event and every year we always encourage spectators along the parade route and watching in the grandstand to express their support and heartfelt gratitude".
John W. P. Cook, SBStJ, CD., Warriors Day Parade Chair

Associated Links

• Canada Remembers the First World War
• World War Commemorations
• The Warrior's Day Parade

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468