Recently, I came across a sign that said: 'It takes a long while to grow old friends.'

Immediately, what came to mind, is the deep and long-standing bond that has developed between those of us who work for Veterans Affairs Canada and the people we serve. We value every opportunity to connect with you: be it through our District Offices, visits to Canadian Forces bases, at veterans' gatherings or over the Internet.

As important as these things are, we know we need to do more. That's why we've spent a lot of time over the past few years trying to better understand how your needs are changing and what we can do to help you. In the process, we've learned that you would like to get more information from us on a regular basis. We listened and we're responding.

With the launch of Salute! during Veterans' Week 2001, we hope to reach out to you and your family with a newspaper that tells you about VAC policies, programs and services that matter to you. We want to share our world with you so that you'll have a better understanding of how we can help you. And, in return, we want you to share with us your thoughts and concerns.

Salute! is your newspaper. We hope you find it useful, interesting and educational. By working together to share information, all of us can benefit.