Statement

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

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the upcoming 100^th anniversary of Parks Canada

May 6, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the upcoming 100^th anniversary of Parks Canada.

"As Canadians we are so very fortunate to have an abundance of special and unique places in our national parks and historic sites preserved for all Canadians to enjoy, now and into the future.

"I was spellbound the first time I visited Banff National Park in my home province of Alberta, seeing up close the incredible beauty and wildlife on my doorstep. National parks like Banff belong to all Canadians. What better way to mark the 100^th anniversary of Parks Canada than to encourage young Canadians to celebrate their heritage and explore the natural beauty of Canada.

"That is why our Government is extending for another year the special My Parks Pass for every Grade 8 student in Canada, allowing these youngsters free entrance to any national park or historic site. I encourage young Canadians to take advantage of this opportunity to experience the rich history and natural beauty that helps defines our great country.

"Canada's future is in the hands of our youth who can best prepare for tomorrow by learning about this great land we call home. From coast to coast to coast, Canada's national parks and historic sites feature unique treasures that are an unforgettable experience. Enjoy."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Statement

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

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 58^th and 60^th anniversaries of two historic battles of the Korean War

May 6, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to pay tribute to the 26,791 Canadians who served in the Korean War and the 7000 who served in the theatre from the cease-fire to the end of 1955.

"May 3^rd, 2011 marked the 58^th anniversary of the battle for Hill 187 during the Korean War. I would like to acknowledge the 3^rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment who fought on Hill 187 and did not give up despite the odds. Brigadier Jean Allard, who commanded the 25^th Infantry Brigade, considered this battle a victory for the enemy and a loss for the newly arrived Royals.

"This week, as we enjoy the freedom they fought so hard to ensure, we remember the brave Royals who fought on Hill 187 in May 1953. We remember those who survived and those who died to defend Korea.

"The Korean War, like all wars, was marked by both losses and triumphs. One most notable achievement, particularly for Canadians, was the Battle of Kapyong on Hill 677. April 24^th, 2011 marked the 60^th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong, a battle in which the 2^nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry defended the front line against enemy forces that greatly outnumbered the Canadians. The Battle of Kapyong in April 1951 earned the brave Canadians a United States Presidential Citation for their undeniable valour.

"Senator Yonah Martin participated in the 60^th Anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong Commemoration here in Ottawa on April 15, 2011 as well as at the Kapyong Commemoration in the Republic of Korea on April 24^th 2011. Nearly 50 Canadian heroes of the Korean War, including 18 Kapyong veterans with Honour Guards and 35 current serving officers of PPCLI stood at the foot of Hill 677 to pay respects, during a week-long 60^th Anniversary Revisit Program organized by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the ROK.

"The tragedy of the Battle of Hill 187 and the incredible victory of the Battle of Kapyong – two of the unforgettable battles of the Korean War – had not been properly reported in Canadian newspapers then. Today on behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to honor the Canadian veterans of the Korean War and acknowledge these important days for Canada.

"I encourage all Canadians to remember these historic days in hopes that the Korean War will never be 'forgotten'."

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Statement

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

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the fifth anniversary of the Red Friday Campaign

May 6, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the fifth anniversary of the Red Friday Campaign in Canada:

"Since the first Red Friday Rally drew thousands of supporters clad in red to Parliament Hill on May 6, 2006, the colour has for many Canadians become a symbol of support and gratitude for the men and women in uniform who selflessly and tirelessly serve our country both at home and abroad. The movement was inspired and spearheaded in Canada by Lisa Miller and Karen Boire.

"By wearing red on Fridays, we honour and thank the members of the Canadian Forces and their families for their courage and for the many sacrifices they make to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our troops as they continue to fight for peace and stability in areas such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan and other less fortunate regions around the world.

"I encourage all Canadians to wear red and participate in the many rallies being held in communities across the country as a gesture of respect and solidarity."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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