Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill Presents Awards of Excellence to Devil's Brigade Veterans

WINDSOR, ON, Sept. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parm Gill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Brampton—Springdale, presented Veterans of the First Special Service Force (Devil's Brigade) with Awards of Excellence today at their 67^th reunion.

"The Devil's Brigade faced some of the most difficult and dangerous missions of the Second World War," said Minister Fantino. "Today, we pay tribute to these brave Veterans for their achievements and their sacrifices so that we would be able to enjoy free and peaceful lives."

The First Special Service Force, an elite commando unit comprising some 1,800 Canadian and American troops, was organized in 1942. The 2^nd Canadian Parachute Battalion (later known as the 1^st Canadian Special Service Battalion) formed the Canadian contingent of the First Special Service Force. The First Special Service Force served in the Aleutian, Italian and Southern France campaigns and was immortalized in the 1968 motion picture "The Devil's Brigade."

"It is a privilege to present these Awards of Excellence to the Veterans of the Devil's Brigade," said Parliamentary Secretary Gill. "Our Government is proud to recognize their selfless dedication and unfailing commitment to the principles of peace, freedom and democracy."

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