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1996 Remembrance Day Poster
Secretary of State (Veterans), the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay Unveils 1996
Remembrance Day Poster in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
On October 18, 1996 the Secretary of State (Veterans), the Honourable
Lawrence MacAulay, unveiled this year's Remembrance Day poster in
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This is a yearly ceremony held
annually in mid-October as a precursor to November's Veterans' Week
ceremonies and Remembrance Day.
In a speech to assembled veterans, Veterans Affairs staff, and members of the public, Secretary
MacAulay talked of the importance of the symbolism and tradition of the yearly release of the
poster. Thousands of copies are sent out to schools across Canada to promote interest and
discussion in Canada's history in classes across the nation.
For the first time this year a giant version of the poster will be displayed on the side of the
Confederation Centre, overlooking the Cenotaph. For the next few weeks the citizens of
Charlottetown will have a large visual reminder of Remembrance Day whenever they walk by the
Centre. A similarly large poster will also be displayed on the side of the National Arts Centre in
Ottawa during Veterans' Week.
Over the years the Remembrance Day posters have ranged from artists' and photographic
renditions of Canadian campaigns and battle scenes to the quiet moments in a service man or
woman's life while serving Canada, in peace and at war.
As you look at the poster and the photo of a First World War soldier in the trench, you can
imagine him battling fatigue but yet still stealing a few minutes to record his experience or perhaps
write to a loved one back home. The smaller photo features a youngster remembering those who
fought for the preservation of peace by participating in a commemorative ceremony. Where the
larger images remind of us of the bleakness and poignancy of the soldier's experience, the smaller
one emphasizes the importance of involving today's youth in remembrance.
It is Veterans Affairs Canada's aim to emphasize the importance of remembering the sacrifices of
our service men and women over the first half of this century that have allowed us to live in peace
and freedom in the last half.
Last year, during countless 50th anniversary activities commemorating the end of the Second
World War, thousands of Canadians came together in acts of remembrance and homage. Some of
them were old enough to remember the mood and emotions that existed during the War and others
were so young that this was the first time they were aware of the events of this important chapter of
Canada's history. We wish to continue to focus on the important role of Canada's youth and this
year's activities are meant to encourage young Canadians to continue to learn about our military
past.
We urge young Canadians to participate in Veterans' Week activities so the memory of those who
went to war is never forgotten and future generations of Canadians will continue to live in and strive
for worldwide peace.
You might want to check out our Veterans' Week page to find out about the exciting activities that
are taking place across Canada during the week of November 3-11, 1996.
Should you have further queries concerning the poster or wish to obtain copies, please consult the
blue pages in your telephone directory for the number of the Veterans Affairs Canada office nearest
you.
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