FREDERICTON, NEW-BRUNSWICK -- (Marketwire) -- 10/17/10 -- The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), took part today in a remembrance ceremony in Fredericton to honour the 152 Canadian Forces Personnel who died in Afghanistan. Eleven were originally from New-Brunswick.
"Today we honour the men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Canada, its values and democracy, and helping the people of Afghanistan," said Minister Ashfield. "Our hearts go out to the family members of the fallen. Your sons, daughters, fathers and mothers are truly our nation's greatest heroes. We will remember them and we are eternally indebted to them."
The ceremony included a traditional remembrance service and wreath-laying. Dignitaries, local Veterans, family members of the fallen, still-serving Canadian Forces members and a number of youth were present.
The event was organized and hosted by The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch #4. Last year, a monument was unveiled in Fredericton at the RCL Branch #4 honouring those who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Since the unveiling, Branch #4 has received a number of requests by mail, e-mail and telephone requesting another remembrance service this year, which they have honoured.
Veterans Affairs Canada contributed $1,400 in funding to support today's ceremony through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. To learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund or to apply for funding, please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call 1-866-522-2122.
Contacts:
Veterans Affairs Canada
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
613-992-7468
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
613-992-3465
Cell.: 613-608-3252
Veterans Affairs Canada
Michelle Wright
Regional Communications Officer
902-426-0635
Cell: 902-401-7691