Honour our Veterans

Tom Marshall, Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, encouraged all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to honour and pay tribute to veterans on Remembrance Day.

"Newfoundland and Labrador has a proud history of honouring our veterans. This has been a very special year as it marks the 60^th anniversary of the end of World War II and it has been declared the Year of the Veteran," Minister Marshall said. "It has provided a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to remember the tremendous contributions of our veterans� achievements and sacrifices."

Minister Marshall noted government has participated in numerous events this year commemorating our veterans. "On May 5, we marked the 60^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a tree-planting ceremony on the grounds of Confederation Building. In July of this year, I was deeply honoured to accompany a group of students and veterans from Newfoundland and Labrador to Beaumont Hamel to commemorate the 89^th anniversary of the Battle of Somme. On November 1, it was my pleasure to commence Remembrance Week activities by taking part in the �Fly the Flag of Remembrance ceremony� at Confederation Building," said Minister Marshall.

"Veterans� affairs have a special place in my life. My father, Jack Marshall, was a veteran of the Second World War. As a young officer cadet he stormed the beaches at Normandy on D-Day and for many years he was the commanding officer of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Later in his life, as a Member of the Canadian Parliament and a Senator, he was an outspoken advocate for the rights of all veterans."

"I am grateful for every opportunity to remember and honour this province�s veterans.

On behalf of Premier Williams and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians this Remembrance Day to honour and pay tribute to the men and women who have risked or given their lives to enhance the cause of freedom throughout the world. We must always remember our veterans and their sacrifices," said Minister Marshall.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2005 11 10        11:10 a.m.