Member of Parliament Keith Ashfield announces funding for commemorative project
FREDERICTON, Nov. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, today announced Government of Canada support to the Theatre New Brunwick for the production of Somme Letters Home, in Fredericton and Saint John. MP Ashfield made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Theatre New Brunswick, one of Canada's oldest running regional theatre companies, will present the theatre production on November 9 at Theatre New Brunswick Studio in Fredericton and November 22 at the BMO Theatre in Saint John. The play is drawn directly from 45 letters Private John Bapst Cronin wrote to his mother, brothers and sister in Saint John while he served with the 49th Western Battalion during the Great War. Proceeds from ticket sales at the Fredericton performance will be donated to the CFB Gagetown's Military Family Resource Centre.
Quick Facts
- Theatre New Brunswick is receiving $1,600 through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund for the presentation of Somme Letters Home.
- Since 2006, the Government of Canada has approved more than $13 million, through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, for projects that recognize 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 sacrifices."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"I thank the members of Theatre New Brunswick for the theatrical production of Somme Letters Home, which resonates with members of our community and tells part of our local history. This special tribute of remembrance reflects how all Canadians can understand and honour the contributions and sacrifices of our Veterans and their families."
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton
Associated Links
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
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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