The Government of Canada hopes that the Victoria Cross Awarded to Corporal Fred Topham Remains in Canada
OTTAWA, November 18, 2004 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today congratulated the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Association on its fundraising campaign seeking to keep in Canada the Victoria Cross (VC) that was awarded to Corporal Fred Topham during the Second World War. The Minister also announced that she will contribute funds to the campaign so that this treasure will remain in Canada. The assistance from the Government of Canada will be provided through the Movable Cultural Property Program."I am determined to keep this medal in Canada," said Minister Frulla. "The fundraising campaign launched by the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Association and supported by many Canadians shows how grateful we are for the sacrifices made by our veterans so that we might live in a better world. The campaign must go on. The Government of Canada hopes that the exploits of these courageous people will be recognized at their true value and that this prestigious award will be displayed in an appropriate place, for the benefit of future generations."
Minister of Veterans Affairs Albina Guarnieri echoed this sentiment.
"Every Victoria Cross that was earned by Canadians should stay in Canada," said Minister Guarnieri. "These are powerful symbols of our national pride and they should never be exported when we have a chance to do something about it. I am touched by the widespread support for keeping Caporal Topham's VC in Canada and truly happy that the Government of Canada is able to add certainty of success to the grass-roots efforts."
"This is extremely good news from the Department of Canadian Heritage," added Jan de Vries, Honorary Chairman of the Corporal Fred Topham VC Fundraising Project. "Our campaign is well under way now, with donations arriving every day. We have been completely overwhelmed with the support from individuals and groups from coast to coast in Canada. We're delighted that they Ñ and the Department of Canadian Heritage Ñ share our belief that this Canadian hero's Victoria Cross belongs here."
At the age of 27, Corporal Fred Topham was a medical orderly with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. During the Varsity Operation in 1945, the Battalion parachuted across the Rhine into Germany. Disregarding his own wounds, Corporal Topham unhesitatingly rescued seriously wounded men from the front line and gave them first aid despite heavy enemy fire.
The Movable Cultural Property Program was established specifically to provide financial support helping designated public institutions or authorities to purchase artifacts of national importance.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Minister responsible for Status
of Women
(819) 997-7788
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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