Published: August 01, 2011

Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney Joins Normandy Youth Delegation As They Honour Canadian Soldiers

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Editors note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, attended a commemorative ceremony organized by the Association du Souvenir des Freres Westlake at the cenotaph of the Regiment de la Chaudiere in Beauceville.

Minister Blaney joined the group of 32 youth between the ages of eight and 23, primarily from the Normandy region in France. Over the past two weeks, the youth have participated in various commemorative ceremonies in Quebec and Ontario honouring Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in Normandy during the Second World War.

"It was an honour to join these young people in their efforts to keep the torch of remembrance alive," said Minister Blaney. "As Canadians we must acknowledge the sacrifices of our Veterans and I applaud the Association du Souvenir des Freres Westlake who travelled to Canada to pay tribute to our military heroes."

The Association du Souvenir des Freres Westlake was created in Normandy in 2006. Each year in France, its young members organize commemorative ceremonies where they honour Canadian Veterans. Last year alone, the association organized 16 ceremonies in France.

For more information on the services and programs offered by Veterans Affairs Canada, visit www.veterans.gc.ca.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110801-Photo_716771_800.jpg