TORONTO – All Ontarians are encouraged to honour and remember veterans and keep the memories of their contributions alive during Veterans’ Week, said Minister Responsible for Seniors Aileen Carroll at the start of Veterans’ Week.

“We need to help future generations remember the contributions and the sacrifices veterans made to preserving our freedom,” said Carroll. “On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I encourage everyone to take time during Veterans’ Week to pay tribute by participating in local Legion activities, school assemblies or faith services, or just by saying thank you to a veteran.”

Ontario is continuing to expand its efforts to ensure future generations never forget the debt of gratitude owed to our veterans. Ontario government activities for Veterans’ Week include:

• The launch of an advertising campaign for licence plates that feature a poppy and are available only to veterans
• A Tribute to the Fallen Ceremony on November 9, honouring soldiers who died in the past year
• The second annual provincial Ceremony of Remembrance at the Veterans’ Memorial on Remembrance Day, November 11.

These activities complement other recent McGuinty government veterans’ tributes such as dedicating a stretch of Highway 401 as “Highway of Heroes” in September 2007, and the inauguration of the Veterans’ Memorial at Queen’s Park in September 2006.

“As time passes, it is increasingly important for younger generations to know about the history and achievements of our veterans,” said Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley.  “The veteran licence plates are a year-round reminder of our debt to these men and women for their brave service.”

More than 1.5 million Canadians served in the two world wars and in the Korean War, and more than 110,000 gave their lives for their country. There are more than 80,000 Second World War and Korean War veterans currently living in Ontario.

Veterans’ Week runs from November 5 through to Remembrance Day, November 11. Throughout the week, commemorative events and activities will be held in communities across Ontario – from ceremonies at war memorials to school assemblies, services in places of worship and appreciation lunches and dinners at Royal Canadian Legion branches.

 “Strong and vital communities are the legacy of those who fought so bravely to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today,” Carroll said. “This week we are remembering, honouring, thanking veterans and those on the home front, and celebrating their contributions to our freedom. Let us never forget.”

More information about Veterans’ Week can be obtained at the Ontario government’s website, www.Ontario.ca/veterans

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Contact:
Sandra Nicholson, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7242

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