OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 07/02/11 -- Eve Adams, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Brampton South and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today accompanied Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, as they honoured Canada's Veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families at a reception at the Canadian War Museum.
"Our service men and women-both past and present-were deeply touched by the warmth and generosity of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge," said Ms. Adams. "You could see the gratitude in their faces as the Royal Couple paid tribute to our nation's long tradition of service and sacrifice."
Veterans in attendance at the reception included all arms of the Canadian Forces and the Merchant Navy, and featured Veterans who have served from the Second World War through to the current combat mission in Afghanistan. Five Canadian war brides were also among the invited guests.
Ms. Adams and Minister Moore offered welcoming remarks to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who then unveiled an Augustus John painting which will be permanently on display in the museum. Following the reception, the Royal Couple was escorted on a tour of museum exhibits, including several displays which reflect the shared military history of Canada and the United Kingdom.
"Today's reception reminded us of the great debt we owe to the men and women who serve our nations in times of need," said Ms. Adams. "We will never forget their courage and their selfless contributions."
Contacts:
Media Inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Codie Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649