Minister John Baird announces support for commemorative projects
OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister Responsible for Eastern and Northern Ontario, today announced Government of Canada support for three Ontario projects that pay tribute to Canada's brave men and women who have served in uniform. Minister Baird made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre received $2,500 for the 23rd Annual Veterans Feast honouring First Nations, Métis and Inuit Veterans. The November 7 event featured traditional and ceremonial elements and entertainment, including an Aboriginal drum group, guest speakers and a display of artifacts from the Canadian War Museum.
The Day of Remembrance Veterans Committee will receive $600 for a special commemorative DVD featuring their annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony. During the November 11 event, which will take place at Kingston's Cataraqui Cemetery, local students will place Canadian flags on each military grave. The completed DVD will be distributed to local schools, Veterans and senior citizen residences to extend the ceremony's reach and community's participation in commemoration.
The Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra will receive $2,500 for a concert at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Ottawa on November 14.Through war-time music, the production will blend connections to local historical figures with a celebration of period songs. Poems from A.E. Houseman's A Shropshire Lad by George Butterworth, who died in the Battle of Somme, will also be featured.
Quick Facts
- Today's funding announcement represents $5,600 for these three community-led, Ontario groups through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund.
- Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided more than $13 million through the Community Engagement Partnership fund for projects that recognize traditional and modern-day Canadian Veterans and those who died in service.
- During the month of November, Canadians come together to honour those who have sacrificed to make our world a safer place. Learn more at veterans.gc.ca/iremember
Quotes
"Honouring and commemorating the heroic acts of generations of men and women who have served our nation is a duty bestowed on all Canadians. Our Government is pleased to support organizations that pay tribute to our Veterans' service and sacrifice."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"The hard work of these organizations allows members of our communities to come together for remembrance activities and events, which have a real and lasting impact on all Canadians. We will never forget the bravery and service of our Veterans."
The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister Responsible for Eastern and Northern Ontario
Associated Links
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Contacts: Ashlee Smith, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468
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