Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill Attends Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon in Oakville, Ontario

OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, honoured Canada's Veterans today at the 12^th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon hosted by MEDIchair Halton in Oakville. With Veterans' Week 2013 officially launched this morning, Canadians across the country are showing they remember and honour Canada's Veterans.

"Our Government values and honours the commitment, dedication, and sacrifices made on behalf of all Canadians by Canada's Veterans, and our incredible men and women in uniform serving today," said Minister Fantino. "Groups like MEDIchair Halton continue to honour those who have sacrificed to make our world a safer place."

"Our Government is dedicated to commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of the brave Canadians whose legacy is the peace and security we are grateful for today," said Parliamentary Secretary Gill. "I thank MEDIchair Halton for organizing today's event and supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families."

The event included a colour party and greetings from dignitaries, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. Exhibits by the Oakville Museum of Erchless Estate, the Canadian Red Cross and the Korean War Exhibit were also on display throughout the event. Parliamentary Secretary Gill laid a wreath and spoke about the importance of remembrance.

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.

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