Executive Council
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
October 24, 2014
Honouring Those Who Have Served
Memorial Vigil Honours Lives Lost in Afghanistan Conflict
Today, the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, unveiled the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil in a ceremony at the Confederation Building in St. John’s. The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, joined the Premier for the presentation of a Canadian Flag which was flown previously in Afghanistan. The ceremony was attended by veterans, members of Canada’s Armed Forces and families of those who lost their lives during service.
“The Vigil today serves to acknowledge the bravery, dedication and valour of all members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who served in Afghanistan and supported the mission. As a government, we are proud to host the Vigil here at Confederation Building. I thank all the brave women and men who sacrificed so much for Canadians and for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly the 13 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We join their families in grieving and support and honour them for their continued courage.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Vigil comprises a set of plaques commemorating those whose lives were lost during the conflict including 158 CAF personnel, a Canadian diplomat, a Department of National Defence contractor, a Canadian journalist who was embedded with the CAF and more than 40 United States Armed Forces members who were under Canadian command during operations in Afghanistan.
“It is of utmost importance that we remember the efforts of our veterans abroad and at home, as well as the contributions of our Naval, Air and Army reservists during the conflict in Afghanistan. The many freedoms that we enjoy can be attributed to their dedication and today, we recognize their service while remembering those who have lost their lives in action.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
The Afghanistan Memorial Vigil will be open to the general public in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building as follows:
- Friday, October 24, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 27, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, unveiled the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil during a ceremony in St. John’s today.
- The memorial has travelled across Canada and the United States since May 2014.
- The Afghanistan Memorial Vigil will be open to the general public in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building from Friday, October 24, to Monday, October 27.
- The Vigil comprises a set of plaques commemorating those whose lives were lost during the conflict including 158 CAF personnel, a Canadian diplomat, a Department of National Defence contractor, a Canadian journalist who was embedded with the CAF and more than 40 United States Armed Forces members.
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Media contacts:
|
Donna Ivey Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
2014 10 24 11:00 a.m.