Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill Presents Bomber Command Bar to Local Veteran at Special Ceremony
ETOBICOKE, ON, Jan. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - A Canadian Veteran of Bomber Command and his family were in attendance today for a special Bomber Command Bar ceremony. Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, presented the bar to Mr. Charles "Patrick" Wilson on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. Created by the Government of Canada, this bar of honour formally recognizes the service and sacrifice of these brave Canadians. Local Veterans of Bomber Command, their families and members of the community were in attendance for the ceremony.
In addition to the creation of the Bomber Command Bar, the Government of Canada also helped in creating the new Bomber Command Memorial in London, United Kingdom. This memorial honours all members of Bomber Command from Allied countries and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Applications for the bar continue to be received and processed by Veterans Affairs Canada. Canadian Veterans who served as part of Bomber Command or their families are encouraged to apply online for the honour or download a hardcopy of the application form at veterans.gc.ca. Veterans may also request an application form by calling 1-866-522-2122 (English) or 1-866-522-2022 (French).
Quick Facts
- Canada played a vital role in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
- The BCATP graduates formed the backbone of Bomber Command.
- Many Canadians served with RCAF squadrons in the No. 6 Bomber Group.
- By the end of the Second World War, No. 6 Bomber Group had carried out more than 40,000 sorties.
- Approximately 8,000 decorations for bravery were awarded to No. 6 Bomber Group members.
- Approximately 10,000 Canadians paid the ultimate price as part of Bomber Command operations.
- The Bomber Command Bar is worn on the ribbon of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.
Quotes
"The Bomber Command Bar recognizes a vitally important group of Canadian Veterans who faced some of the most difficult odds of the Second World War. Their bravery and commitment at a critical time was second to none. For that, I am very pleased today to be honouring Bomber Command Veterans. They stood up to protect what we as Canadians hold so dear, and for that we are truly grateful."
Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale
"Our Government is proud to have created this Bar to honour Canadian Veterans who served in Bomber Command. These Canadians fought for peace, freedom and democracy, with many losing their lives in these missions in the skies over Europe. We are proud to recognize them for their service."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
Associated Links
- Campaign Stars and Medals (1939-1954) - Bomber Command Bar
- Canadians in Bomber Command
- Application Form for the Bomber Command Bar
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Harper Government Unveils New Bomber Command Honour
- Harper Government Provides Support for Bomber Command Memorial in London, United Kingdom
Photo and/or Video
- Heavy Losses in Bomber Command
- Bomber Command Memorial: Official photography of London's new monument
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Media contacts
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations Office
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
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