MP Laurie Hawn Attends Poppy-Laying Ceremony in Edmonton

EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, today attended a poppy-laying ceremony at the Beechmount Cemetery, in Edmonton. MP Hawn also announced up to $5,000 in funding for the ceremony through the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. This announcement further supports our Government's ongoing efforts to engage Canadians in active remembrance from coast to coast and to bring attention to the great service and sacrifices of Canada's Veterans.

"Every opportunity we have to engage young people in ceremonies and activities of remembrance helps to ensure our Veterans and their achievements are never forgotten," said Minister Fantino. "I applaud groups such as the No Stone Left Alone Foundation on their efforts to engage young Canadians in acts of remembrance."

"Our Government is proud to support initiatives that encourage young people to remember Canada's Veterans," said MP Hawn. "It is my pleasure to offer congratulations to the many young people taking part in this important remembrance project."

Today, the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation has organized and hosted poppy-laying ceremonies in Alberta and British Columbia. School children laid more than 10,000 poppies—one on every headstone in the fields of honour in 17 cemeteries in Edmonton and Jasper, Alberta, and Kelowna, British Columbia. The main event was held at Beechmount Cemetery, with simultaneous events at the other 16 locations, and was available for public schools in Alberta to view via live web feed on the No Stone Left Alone website. The organization expected that approximately 1,500 people would attend, including 200 Veterans and 900 youth.

Veterans Affairs Canada partners with community groups and non-profit organizations through three programs to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of Veterans and men and women in uniform. These programs can support remembrance activities, and restoration or construction of cenotaphs and monuments.  For more information or applications to the Community Engagement Partnership Fund (CEPF), the Community War Memorial Program (CWMP), or the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program (CMRP), visit veterans.gc.ca.

During Veterans' Week, Canadians are encouraged to show how they remember by attending a Remembrance Day ceremony, visiting a local cenotaph or monument, sharing the story of a loved one who served, and wearing a poppy with pride.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada