Peter MacKay Presents Bomber Command Bars to Local Veterans at Special Ceremony
HALIFAX, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadian Veterans of Bomber Command and their families were in attendance today for a special Bomber Command Bar ceremony. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, presented the bars 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 sacrifices of these brave Canadians. Minister MacKay presented the Bomber Command Bar to Daniel Britton, John Douglas Havill, Robert Lloyd Burton and Allan John MacLeod at the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building.
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
"I am pleased to present the Bomber Command Bar, on behalf of the Government of Canada, at Camp Hill today. These four brave Canadians who served in Bomber Command operations during the Second World War showed incredible courage in the face of adversity, and today we honour their contribution to Canadian democracy. I am very pleased to be here to congratulate them on their service to their country."
The Honourable Peter McKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
"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
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations Office
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Chris Guinan
Office of the Honourable Peter MacKay
902-489-6545
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