Mr. Speaker, 2005 has been designated as the Year of the Veteran. This is an important declaration that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. As well, 2005 is also the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, including the recent anniversary of Victory in Europe on May 8th, VE Day, and in the Far East on August 14th, VJ Day.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to join all provinces and territories in recognizing the significant contributions of veterans during this 60th anniversary year. It is an opportunity for our government, in partnership with community groups and agencies, to recognize veterans throughout our territory during the coming months. We are extremely fortunate to live in a country where we enjoy peace, democracy and the freedom to pursue our personal goals. This is the lasting legacy of all Canadians and allied veterans.
Mr. Speaker, we are honoured to have some of our veterans in the gallery today. We are also joined by representatives of groups and agencies that are planning events for the Year of the Veteran.
The events planned for the Year of the Veteran are an expression of gratitude to war service veterans and veterans of the Canadian Forces. It gives me great pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to highlight some of the activities that are being planned in the Northwest Territories:
The City of Yellowknife’s annual picnic on June 19th will include a commemoration of NWT veterans;
The Northwest Territories and Nunavut Aboriginal Veterans Association is planning to recognize veterans on National Aboriginal Day, June 21st;
Commemorations on Canada Day will be held by various groups in a number of communities, including the Holland Association of the High Arctic, Scouts, the Rotary Club and Yellowknife Seniors Society;
Special remembrance ceremonies will be held by the Royal Canadian Legion Vincent Massey Branch 164 on July 2nd to honour all war veterans and on November 11th for all NWT veterans;
The Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters is working with the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to prepare a Year of the Veteran exhibition this fall;
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is holding an Amazing Sunday session on the Year of the Veteran as part of their series of family-oriented educational activities; and,
Education, Culture and Employment is sending educational materials to all NWT schools and libraries for their use and display.
Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the activities planned to celebrate the Year of the Veteran. They reflect a commitment by community groups and agencies, individuals and this government to remember and celebrate the contribution of our veterans to our nation and our territory.
I ask all Members to join me in recognizing all Northwest Territories veterans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
