News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER LAUNCHES VETERANS WEEK AND UNVEILS REMEMBRANCE-THEMED VIDEO TO AIR ON NATIONAL TELEVISION

November 6, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario


Click here to watch the video (http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=1&id=1394)

Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched Veterans Week today with a speech at the Canadian War Museum in which he spoke of Canada’s long tradition of honouring and remembering the men and women who have given their lives in defence of the nation and its values.

“Because of their sacrifices,” the Prime Minister said, “we are privileged to live in one of the most prosperous, civilized and safest countries in the world.”

Prime Minister Harper noted in his speech that public turnout at Remembrance Day ceremonies has been growing in recent years. Quoting John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields, he said “the brave Canadians who lie beneath the poppies in Flanders fields can rest in peace” because their descendants are “keeping faith with the fallen” and “holding the torch high.”

The Prime Minister also congratulated and thanked four veterans of the Afghanistan conflict who are Canada’s first-ever recipients of Military Valour Decorations. “Clearly the Canadian Forces of the 21st century are continuing the tradition of excellence established by their forbearers,” Prime Minister Harper said. “When the cause is just, Canada always answers the call.”

Following the Prime Minister’s remarks, he unveiled a new 90 second video which will be aired on television, on the Web and in public spaces across Canada during Veterans Week. The video is assembled from archival and contemporary sources, and honours the contribution and sacrifices of Canada’s service men and women, from WWI through to the mission in Afghanistan.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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