HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwire) -- 06/10/12 -- Editors' Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today participated in a commemorative ceremony at the Halifax Grand Parade Cenotaph to honour Canada's Veterans. Minister Blaney laid a wreath during the ceremony that took place as part of the 44th Dominion Convention of the Royal Canadian Legion.
"As Minister of Veterans Affairs, I am proud to join Legion delegates today in commemorating Canada's Veterans," said Minister Blaney. "The Legion and our Government share a common goal of ensuring we meet the needs of the men and women who have served our country. Today we honour them and remember those who gave selflessly for our freedom."
Convention delegates marched in the Parade of Legionnaires which started at Victoria Park on Martello Street and marched to the Grand Parade Cenotaph for a wreath-laying ceremony. Our Government is proud to contribute up to $5,750 to the event through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Minister Blaney participated in the convention's opening ceremony, where he addressed delegates from across Canada and representatives from branches in Europe, the United States and Mexico.
Our Government works in close partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion and recognizes the important role of Legion branches in providing support to Veterans and their families across the country.
Minister Blaney will deliver the keynote address to the delegates on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Halifax Metro Centre.
The biennial 44th Dominion Convention of the Royal Canadian Legion runs until June 13 in Halifax.
For information on Veterans Affairs Canada programs and services, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120610-wreath800.jpg
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