Remembering our Past, Preserving our Future

Each year, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) produces a poster to commemorate the men and women who, in serving their country, have put their lives on the line so that others may live in peace.

This year's poster promotes the theme of Veterans' Week 2002: Remembering our Past, Preserving our Future. The main image on the poster is a photo taken during a learning tour hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada in April 2002 to help commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It features Brendan Matthews of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, as he visits the grave site of an unknown Canadian soldier buried in France. Brendan was one of 13 young people from across Canada who participated in the learning event.

The poster was unveiled October 11 in Ottawa by the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Veterans Affairs. Approximately 40,000 posters were distributed, along with many other Veterans' Week materials, to schools and communities across the country, reminding Canadians that our veterans' sacrifices and achievements must never be forgotten.