Minister Blaney Marks the Arrival of Brigadier-General Lanthier as Head of the 2nd Canadian Division / Joint Task Force (EAST)

VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, July 13, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, today attended the ceremony marking the 2nd Canadian Division (previously known as Land Force Quebec Area) / Joint Task Force (East) change of command from Brigadier-General Richard Giguère to Brigadier-General Jean-Marc Lanthier at the Valcartier Garrison.

"It is truly an honour for me to be present at this important ceremony for the Quebec military community," said Minister Blaney. "I have had the pleasure of meeting with Brigadier-General Giguère on numerous occasions over the past few years, and I wish him all the best in his new functions. Also, I'm sure that the military family here in Quebec will extend a warm welcome to Brigadier-General Lanthier, to whom I wish every success as head of the 2nd Canadian Division / Joint task Force (EAST)."

The change of command ceremony was presided over by Canadian Army Commander, Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin in the presence of the Honourable Pierre Duchesne, Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec and representatives of various units of the 2nd Canadian Division / Joint Task Force (EAST) units, as well as families and friends of Canadian Armed Forces members in attendance.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information about the Korean War, please visit veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada