Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a long and distinguished history of service during times of conflict and throughout Veterans Week this contribution is being acknowledged as part of two special ceremonies in our country�s capital city, Ottawa.

"I am proud to see the contribution of brave men and women from our province recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs Canada," said the Honourable John Ottenheimer, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. "These special tributes paid to our soldiers demonstrate that the efforts of our personnel are valued and will never be forgotten."

On Saturday, November 11, Mrs. Alice Murphy, mother of Corporal Jamie Murphy who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in January 2004, will lay a wreath at Canada�s War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who have lost children in military service. Mrs. Murphy is this year�s National Silver Cross Mother who is chosen annually by The Royal Canadian Legion to represent the mothers of Canada at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Earlier this week on Sunday, November 5, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Micha�lle Jean, Governor General of Canada, unveiled the Valiants Memorial in the area of Canada�s National War Memorial in Ottawa. Newfoundlander and Labradorian John Wallace Thomas was memorialized for his service in the First World War, where he served in the merchant navy and was torpedoed three times, and the Second World War where he commanded the Canadian Pacific ship the Empress of Scotland. He was the only merchant navy recipient of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) which he received for handling his vessel while under attack from the Luftwaffe in November, 1940. His likeness and story was one of 14 unveiled by Her Excellency as a reminder of their heroism and contributions to Canada and the international community.

"The contributions of Mr. Wallace and Corporal Murphy are reminders of the perils that our soldiers face when defending the freedoms that we hold so dear," continued Minister Ottenheimer. "I commend Her Excellency, Micha�lle Jean, Minister Greg Thompson and the Department of Veterans Affairs Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion for bestowing these honours upon our citizens."

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