Korea.......

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Apr 19, 2008 14:00 ET
Government of Canada Commemorates the 55th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 19, 2008) - On behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, participated in a commemorative ceremony to mark the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, the 10th anniversary of the Kap'Yong Memorial Plaque dedication, and the twinning of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with Hallyo Haesang Sea National Park in Korea.

"Today, we commemorate the legacy of those Canadians who served in the first major international crisis following the end of the Second World War. More than 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War and 516 lost their lives in the name of peace and freedom," said Minister Thompson.

Veterans Affairs Canada partnered with The Royal Canadian Legion, Parks Canada and the Korea Veterans Association to honour the distinguished contributions of Canadians in the Battle of Kap'Yong during the Korean War. Many people joined Dr. Lunney at Radar Hill, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to remember the great sacrifices and the achievements of the men and women who served.

"Our Government supports events that foster appreciation-especially in Canadian youth-for the accomplishments and sacrifices made by Canadian service men and women," said Dr. Lunney. "As Canadians, we share a proud military history and we are passionate about honouring Canada's Veterans and all who served."

For more information on Canada's involvement in the Korean War, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

*****TAKE SPECIAL NOTICE AND RECORD THESE NUMBERS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE FOR MILITARY RESTORATION PUBLIC FUNDING,LOCATED ON THE LAST LINE OF THIS NEWSRELEASE******

Apr 19, 2008 15:00 ET
Government of Canada Encourages Canadians to Remember

GEORGETOWN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 19, 2008) - The Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today attended a remembrance event at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #120 (Georgetown, ON), where he confirmed Government of Canada funding of up to $2,500 for this event and other community remembrance activities.

"Commemorative events help make sure that future generations keep the torch of remembrance ablaze," said Minister Thompson. "This is one more way we can encourage Canadians of all ages to remember and honour the men and women who served our country so well."

The all-day event allowed Georgetown citizens to learn more about the work being done by the Legion for Veterans and the community. Mr. Chong also announced funding of up to $5,000 towards two candlelight tributes. Funding is provided through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund.

On May 8, more than 1,200 school children will attend candlelight tributes at cenotaphs in the communities of Georgetown and Glen Williams. They will meet Veterans and place lit candles around the each cenotaph to honour service men and women who died while serving their country. The candles will burn overnight.

"Community events give all citizens the opportunity to interact with our Veterans as well as honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said the Honourable Michael Chong.

The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding to non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events. Administered through Veterans Affairs Canada's Canada Remembers program, contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based projects.

To learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund or to apply for funding, go to www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call 1-800-443-0394.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Alex Blair

Apr 19, 2008 14:00 ET
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 19, 2008) - On behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, participated in a commemorative ceremony to mark ...... the 10th anniversary of the Kap'Yong Memorial Plaque dedication,

Do I read that correctly? Politicians celebrating the anniversary of a plaque dedication? Talk about patting yourself on the back! I wonder how many died to make that happen?

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Do I read that correctly? Politicians celebrating the anniversary of a plaque dedication? Talk about patting yourself on the back! I wonder how many died to make that happen?

516, Tony, to be precise....

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Apr 19, 2008 15:15 ET
Government of Canada Honours First World War Veteran

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON--(Marketwire - April 19, 2008) - Today, at a small family ceremony in Spokane, Washington, the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, presented a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to Mr. John Babcock, Canada's last known First World War Veteran.

"Mr. Babcock is an ambassador for all those who served in the First World War, and his contribution to our understanding of this period in our history is immeasurable," said Minister Thompson. "Mr. Babcock is our last personal connection to a remarkable generation of Canadian heroes."

John Babcock was born in July 1900 and grew up on a farm near Kingston, Ontario. He was 15 years old when he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Upon his arrival in England a few months later, Mr. Babcock was transferred to the "Boys Battalion." Before he turned 18 and was eligible to go to the front lines, the war had ended.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is presented to individuals who have contributed to the care and well-being of Veterans and to the remembrance of their contribution, sacrifice and achievements. It is intended primarily for Veterans, but in some circumstances may also be awarded to non-Veterans. Nominations may be submitted by the public at any time and are reviewed annually by an advisory committee.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation consists of a bar, which can be worn below official decorations on a Veteran's blazer, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate.

More information on the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation and Mr. John Babcock can be found on the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.