Government of Canada launches Veterans' Week at Senate ceremony
Ceremony of remembrance marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele
OTTAWA, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's Veterans, those who gave their lives in service, and those who continue to serve our country today, deserve our greatest recognition and appreciation. This Veterans' Week, we also reflect specifically on the courage and bravery shown by those who fought in the Battle of Passchendaele a century ago, and the contributions of generations of Canadians in uniform.
Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, joined the Honourable George Furey, Speaker of the Senate of Canada, and the Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons, for the annual ceremony of remembrance in the Senate Chamber today.
This signature commemorative ceremony in the Senate Chamber invites Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and youth to participate in the official launch of the 22nd annual Veterans' Week.
Veterans' Week is observed in Canada each year from November 5 to 11. This Veterans' Week, express your gratitude and appreciation for Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, Royal Canadian Mounted Police members and those who have given their lives in service. Join the conversation on social media to take part in #CanadaRemembers and #Passchendaele100, or visit canada.ca/canada-remembers.
Quotes
"Veterans' Week is an important opportunity for Canadians to come together to thank and honour Veterans, the fallen, and the people in uniform who serve our country today. This year, we mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. I encourage you to reflect on how, in a muddy corner of Belgium, Canadians overcame almost unimaginable hardships to capture this ruined village in 1917. Join me, as well, in expressing heartfelt gratitude to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have served our country with pride and distinction. Through our acts of remembrance, let us all show Canada remembers."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"Today in the Senate Chamber, the Government of Canada launched Veterans'
Week with a moving ceremony highlighting Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian youth. This Veterans' Week, may we all pause and reflect on the legacy of the determined and brave Canadians who served during the Battle of Passchendaele 100 years ago.
We also remember other courageous Canadians who have served Canada throughout our history, and their families and show our appreciation to those who serve our great country today."
Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"For generations, fellow Canadians have selflessly fought for the freedom and democracy around the world, during times of war, conflict and peace. This Veterans' Week, we recognize the more than two million brave men and women, whose service to their country often led to the ultimate sacrifice. As we commemorate this special year in our country's military heritage, Canada remembers all those in uniform?past and present?to whom we are forever grateful."
The Honourable George J. Furey, Q.C., Speaker of the Senate of Canada
"As we mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele during Veterans' Week, we remember the soldiers who fought, and died, for Canada in 1917. The Centre Block of Canada's Parliament Buildings, which stands as a memorial to those who served and died in the First World War, allows Canadians to permanently honour these fallen soldiers. I encourage everyone to show that Canada remembers all who have served this great country."
The Honourable Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons
Quick Facts
- 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.
- Some 100,000 members of the Canadian Corps took part in the Battle of Passchendaele. Victory came at a great cost: more than 4,000 Canadian soldiers were killed and almost 12,000 wounded.
- Nine Canadian soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions during the Battle of Passchendaele?the highest award for military valour a Canadian can earn. Learn more about these nine remarkable stories at canada.ca/canada-remembers.
- 2017 is a special year of commemoration for Canada, including Canada 150, the 100th anniversaries of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele, and the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid
Associated Links
- Canada Remembers ? Official Veterans' Week webpage
- Senate of Canada
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
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