Parliamentary Secretary Andrew Saxton Honours Canadian Armed Forces Personnel in North Vancouver

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, May 26, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, today joined members of the North Shore Veterans Council Canada for a Cenotaph Rededication Ceremony to honour Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

"Commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of the brave Canadians whose legacy is the peace and security we enjoy as Canadians is of paramount importance to our Government," said Minister Blaney. "The contributions made by Canada's Veterans and men and women in uniform have helped to shape our national identity and secure our future."

The North Vancouver Cenotaph, located in Victoria Park, was constructed in 1923 in memory of the citizens of the City and the District of North Vancouver who gave their lives during the First World War. Years later, it was rededicated to commemorate the fallen of the South African War, the Second World War, and the Korean War. Today the monument is being rededicated to the men and women who died on peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan.

"Our Government is dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of our Veterans are never forgotten," said Parliamentary Secretary Saxton. "I commend the North Shore Veterans Council for helping honour the men and women who died on peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan."

For more information on Canada's military history, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website at 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 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

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