Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino Marks National Peacekeepers' Day

OTTAWA, Aug. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today issued the following statement in recognition of National Peacekeepers' Day:

"Each year on August 9, we honour past and present Canadian peacekeepers through events and activities held across Canada. National Peacekeepers' Day is an opportunity to remember our peacekeepers—Canadians who have sacrificed so very much so that others can know peace.

"We take that time to remember these heroes today because it was on August 9 in 1974 that nine Canadian peacekeepers were tragically killed when their aircraft was shot down over Syria. It is the greatest single-day loss of Canadian lives on a peacekeeping mission.

"Canadian peacekeepers help foster sustainable peace and security in countries devastated by conflict. They deliver humanitarian aid, supervise elections, repatriate refugees, train local police forces, disarm warring factions, clear mines and improve educational and democratic systems.

"Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and provincial and municipal police forces, as well as Canadian diplomats and civilians alike all take part in peacekeeping operations.

"Today, I call on all Canadians to take a moment to reflect, remember and say thanks to our brave men and women who have played an important role in international peace and security operations around the world."

For more information on Canada's role in international peacekeeping and peace support missions, visit veterans.gc.ca.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.  

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada