Christmas Tree Honours Military

A Christmas tree honouring Nova Scotians serving in the military overseas was presented to the province today, Nov. 30, by the Canadian Forces. The tree will be on display during the holiday season in the Veterans Room, Province House, Halifax.

The tree was donated to the military by Halifax businessman Joe Ramia who bought it at the Festival of Trees auction, a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Cecil Clarke, Speaker of the House of Assembly, thanked Mr. Ramia for his donation and said his generosity will be felt by many people.

"When he was the successful bidder for the tree, Mr. Ramia contributed greatly to the foundation's fundraising efforts. By donating it to honour the military, he is providing a morale boost to the forces and their families."

Minister responsible for Military Relations, Murray Scott said a tree is an appropriate way to honour the men and women of the forces.

"Members of our military have always stood tall. During the holiday season we reflect on others more than any other time of the year. So when we see this tree, it's an opportunity to think of servicemen and servicewomen far from home."

Capt. Bruce Belliveau, acting commander, Joint Task Force Atlantic, said members of the military overseas will be pleased to hear about the tree.

"I know many of the people overseas will feel closer to home knowing the tree is on display in their honour. It is difficult to be away over the holidays so this is our small way of letting them know Nova Scotians are thinking of them."

There are 597 military personnel based in Nova Scotia now serving in Afghanistan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Turkey and Bahrain, and aboard HMCS Iroquois in the Mediterranean. In February, 284 forces members from the province will be deployed to Afghanistan.

The public is invited to visit Province House and see the tree at 1726 Hollis St.