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25 Ways to Take Part in Veterans' Week
Each year, Canadians pause on November 11 to remember the veterans
who served our country in times of war during the 20th century — the men
and women who died or risked their lives while serving in the Army, the
Air Force, the Navy, the Merchant Navy, and with peacekeeping forces. We
also remember the men, women and children who rallied to support Canada's
war efforts in countless ways in homes, businesses, factories, voluntary
service organizations and schools across the country.
Through
the yearly celebration of Veterans' Week, we have a unique opportunity
to better understand the achievements of men, women and children of all
ages, from all backgrounds and in all areas of endeavour, who contributed
wherever they were needed in wartime.
Getting
involved is the first step towards remembering the past, understanding
the present and facing the future. This page is designed to help you
make the most of Veterans' Week. It is full of suggestions for activities
that can be undertaken at work, at home, anywhere and at any time. Make
these your starting point to remember the spirit of a time when Canadians
fought for peace and liberty.
- Pause
with colleagues and staff in the "2-Minute Wave of Silence" at 11:00 a.m. on November 11 for the men and women who served our country during
wartime.
- Attend commemorative ceremonies at the local cenotaph.
- Watch the national Remembrance Day services on television and remember
that the National War Memorial in Ottawa is dedicated to those who served
in time of war.
- Wear a poppy in tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their
lives for freedom.
- Ask a veteran to come in to your place of work and speak about the
battles fought in distant parts of the world. Share this story with
your children, your local newspaper or radio station, historical society
or archives.
- Hold an event to honour the contributions of current or past employees
who are veterans or who have family members who served our country during
wartime. Draw parallels with their achievements to emphasize how we
have built upon their contributions.
- Plan a candlelight tribute to commemorate a special anniversary with
one of the regiments, air force groups or naval associations in your
area. Visit Veterans Affairs Canada's Web site for links
to veterans' groups and organizations.
- Invite a speaker to review the role your company or association played
during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War or
the Gulf War.
- Spread the word about Veterans' Week in your company's or organization's
newsletter and in articles in local and community newspapers, church
bulletins, as well as in your personal letters.
- Add an insert to employees' pay envelopes. It can tell of Canadian
veterans' wartime experiences as described here on Veterans Affairs Canada's
Web site. It can provide facts and figures relating to different campaigns.
It can challenge the reader through a quiz.
- Launch a creative writing or poster competition in your company or
association. Ask participants to illustrate the roles that Canadian
men, women and children played in the different conflicts over the years.
For more information on this, see the Royal Canadian Legion Web site
at: www.legion.ca.
- Organize a lunchtime discussion on how the wars still have an impact
on our lives today.
- Show a film or video on the part Canadians played in different conflicts
and in maintaining world peace. Contact the National Film Board at 1-800-267-7710
for the location of libraries that carry their films and videos. Obtain
copies of films and videos from the War Amps at 1-800-250-3030.
- Encourage your local public library or archives, both important resources
for community history, to create a display of wartime memorabilia (for
example, photographs, uniforms, badges, military medals and decorations,
diaries) in your office complex. Or have employees create a display
using photos and memorabilia from family members.
- Hold a series of readings during the Week on books by or about veterans
and the wars.
- Get a group together and perform a skit, recreating an event or just
a day in the life of Canadians at war.
- Organize a walking tour of historic sites related to veterans' achievements
in your community, for example businesses, hospitals, museums, grave
sites, etc.
- Contact your local Royal Canadian Legion Branch, local historical
or genealogical society, the history department at a nearby university
or community college, or local veterans' groups for information and
speakers. Bookmark Veterans Affairs Canada's Web site for links to veterans'
organizations.
- Visit a veterans' residence, senior citizens' residence or nursing
home to talk to older men and women about their lives and experiences
during times of war.
- Get in touch with a member of the Canadian Forces either in Canada
or overseas. All the addresses for Canadian Forces bases and overseas
operations are listed on the National Defence Web site at www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/index_e.asp.
- Ask your local school board, a trustee or teachers to use the school
resources provided free each year by Veterans Affairs Canada in the
classroom.
- Return to Veterans Affairs' Web site regularly for news, information
and ideas on how you can mark Veterans' Week each year.
- Obtain free information material from the nearest Veterans Affairs
Office.
- Feel free to print this page and help spread the word about
Veterans' Week.
- Use your imagination! And share your ideas with us.
Join us in ensuring that Canadian veterans are appropriately honoured.
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