EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/13/11 -- The Canadian Football League and football fans across the country paid tribute to Canada's Veterans during the two Grey Cup semi-final playoff games in Montreal and Edmonton today. On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Centre, participated in the coin toss at the Western semi-final game in Edmonton.
"These Veterans' tributes offer Canadians in the stands and those watching on television from across Canada a unique opportunity to honour our nation's heroes," said Minister Blaney. "Our proud military history is woven into the fabric of Canada, as is the history of the Canadian Football League. This partnership has proven to be extremely effective in promoting remembrance and raising awareness of the sacrifices and achievements of Canada's Veterans."
"This tribute is a wonderful example of the commitment of Canadians in honouring our Veterans," said MP Hawn. "Our Government commends the Canadian Football League and all of their fans on a touching commemorative ceremony. Our Veterans served our country with pride and conviction and it is our duty as Canadians to recognize their important contributions."
"For our league, our teams and our fans, it's an honour to play a role in remembering all of the men and women who have so valiantly served Canada," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. "Remembrance Day coincides with the time of year when we prepare to present the Grey Cup to the CFL champions. But our players would be the first to agree that Canada's true champions have been the men and women of the Canadian military. We thank them for championing our freedoms, our democracy, our country."
Through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, Veterans Affairs Canada will provide funding to the Canadian Football League 2011 Veterans' Tribute. The Tribute includes the Jake Gaudaur Veterans Award, national broadcasts of the semi-final games and the in-stadium activities commemorating the achievements and sacrifices of Canadian Veterans during times of war, military conflict and peace.
The semi-final games featured pre-game tributes and the placement of special commemorative markings on both football fields as well as on the helmet of each player. The audience participated in a short ceremony that included a moment of silence in respect for Veterans and those still serving.
The Community Engagement Partnership Fund is administered by Veterans Affairs Canada. Contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based projects.
To learn more about the fund and the services and benefits available to Veterans, call 1-866-522-2122 or visit veterans.gc.ca. To learn more about the Canadian Football League and its acknowledgement of the contribution of Canada's Veterans, visit CFL.ca.
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
Jamie Dykstra
CFL Manager, Communications
416-865-2664