Post Card of Thanks Program
For the fifth year in a row, Grade 6 students across Nova Scotia are personally thanking veterans by sending them post cards.
The Nova Scotia legislature's all-party standing committee on veterans affairs is again co-ordinating the Post Card of Thanks Program in Nova Scotia.
"I deeply appreciate all the work that goes into making this program a success," said committee chair Bill Langille. "The efforts of classroom teachers, the Royal Canadian Legion and the corporate sponsors thrill me each year."
He said that without the generosity of the program's three postage sponsors -- the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, Canadian oil and gas producer EnCana and J.D. Irving Ltd.-- the initiative would not be possible.
"The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has been a proud sponsor of the Post Card of Thanks program since its inception five years ago," said Brian Forbes, president of the teachers union. "This co- operative effort forges a unique connection between individual students and veterans, giving students a level of personal understanding of the sacrifices of those who fought to preserve the rights and freedoms we too often take for granted."
Larry LeBlanc, senior vice-president, East Coast Region, EnCana, said the company gets involved because of the important values the program teaches.
"Investing in education is a cornerstone of EnCana's community investment program in Nova Scotia," he said. "It is important for children to understand the sacrifices made by our veterans to protect the freedom that we cherish today."
Throughout November, starting during Veteran's Week, Nov. 5-11, the students will write individual notes of appreciation on post cards supplied by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. The cards are part of the National Post Cards for Peace program. They will be addressed to veterans and current service personnel. In many cases, classroom teachers have had the assistance of members of the Royal Canadian Legion.
"Our veterans are a living lesson and a tribute to freedom, peace and patriotism," said Jim Irving, president, J.D. Irving Ltd. "We are pleased to support this educational program that honours the contributions of these wonderful Canadian heroes from those young people who today enjoy the rewards of each veteran's courage."
Frank Fudge, provincial secretary, Royal Canadian Legion - Nova Scotia / Nunavut Command, said he is pleased with the program.
"I appreciate what it does to recognize the contribution of our veterans," he said.