Nova Scotia Celebrates Armed Forces Day June 3
Nova Scotians have a great opportunity to recognize and reflect on the contributions the Canadian Forces have made to Canada and the province on Sunday, June 3, designated as Armed Forces Day.
There are 2,500 Canadian military personnel serving in Afghanistan, and almost 200 other Canadian men and women serving in places such as Bosnia Herzegovina, Haiti, the Golan Heights, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan. There are more than 12,000 regular force and reserve military members in Nova Scotia, supported by 3,300 civilian personnel.
"The women and men of our military are a vital part of the fabric of this province," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "They helped in the wake of Hurricane Juan in 2003, and the blizzard of the following winter. They also provide search and rescue services for our civilian aviators, mariners and fishermen, often putting their own lives at risk to save others.
"Armed Forces Day is our opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work they do in the service of Canada and to help Nova Scotians."
Murray Scott, Minister Responsible for Military Relations, encourages Nova Scotians to remember the many non-military contributions armed forces members make to the communities in which they live.
"Nova Scotia is fortunate that the military and local communities are so closely integrated," Mr. Scott said. "Our service personnel give so much of their free time to community activities. Without their direct involvement, youth programs would not have as many mentors, youth sports would not have as many coaches, the civilian volunteer search and rescue agencies would not have as many expert instructors and search team members.
"Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the ways which Canada's soldiers, sailors and air men and women enrich this province."
Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of June as an opportunity for Canadians to recognize Canadian Forces members' contributions to peace and security at home and abroad.