Nova Scotia Honours Veterans
Veterans from Nova Scotia will be honoured with a certificate that commemorates a tradition of service and sacrifice for their country.
Premier John Hamm made the announcement at Province House today, April 27, following a special reception for veterans.
"During the Year of the Veteran, Nova Scotians will have many opportunities to commemorate veterans who have honourably served in the defence of the rights and freedoms of their fellow citizens. The Certificate of Recognition is one way the people of this province can express their appreciation for the sacrifices these individuals have made," said Premier Hamm.
Nova Scotia veterans, students from Queen Elizabeth II High School and members of the Canadian Youth Remembrance Society attended the reception hosted by Premier Hamm and Cecil Clarke, Minister responsible for the Year of the Veteran.
During the event, Premier Hamm presented Colonel Harris Miller with the first Certificate of Recognition. Colonel Miller, a decorated officer and a member of the Order of Canada, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1936.
Individuals can request a certificate in the name of any veteran. Applications are available at Access Nova Scotia offices and on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/yearoftheveteran
Mr. Clarke said the newly created website also includes a list of community events and activities taking place around Nova Scotia along with news, photos, stories and information on the Certificate of Recognition and a book of remembrance that will be on display in the lobby of Province House. Members of the public are invited to write their names in the book as a gesture of appreciation, said Mr. Clarke. Pages from the book will be sent to all schools in the province so that students can participate. Later in the year, the book will be presented to veterans as a legacy commemorating the Year of the Veteran.
"It is through the experiences of our veterans that our children can learn about honour, duty, valour and the importance of learning about the past," said Mr. Clarke. "The announcements today are all opportunities for Nova Scotians to become involved in the Year of the Veteran. I encourage everyone to attend events in their communities and to become involved in the life of a veteran."
2005, the Year of the Veteran, marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The province is working closely with Veterans Affairs Canada and the Nova Scotia standing committee on veterans affairs on a program of events and activities to honour and commemorate veterans.
For more information on the Year of the Veteran, visit the website at www.gov.ns.ca/yearoftheveteran