OTTAWA, Nov. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today issued the following statement encouraging all Canadians to take time to remember this Veterans' Week from November 5 to 11.

"Veterans' Week is a time when we pause to reflect on the courageous efforts of the men and women in uniform who have served this country, and those who continue to serve today. This week and throughout the year, I call upon individuals and community groups from coast-to-coast-to-coast to take time to remember.

"Canadians can engage in remembrance by joining our Canada Remembers Facebook page, following us on Twitter, or downloading the Veterans Matter mobile app. The online calendar of events section directs Canadians to ceremonies and events in their communities. Across Canada, hundreds of remembrance events and activities will be held to honour Veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. All of these features and much more can now be found on the new 'I Remember' hub page at veterans.gc.ca.

"Throughout the past year, we have marked a number of significant historical military milestones, including the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 95^th anniversary of the capture of Passchendaele and the 70^th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. Recognizing these important anniversaries ensures that the stories of our Veterans will live on for generations to come.

"This Veterans' Week, taking time to remember can be as simple as wearing a poppy, talking to Veterans about their experiences or attending a local ceremony. I encourage Canadians to find their own personal way of honouring and remembering the contributions of Canada's Veterans whose legacy is the peace and security we continue to enjoy today."

For more information on Veterans' Week, visit veterans.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

Veterans' Week

Each year, from November 5 to 11, Canadians join together to celebrate Veterans' Week-this year is no different.

During this week, hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events will take place across the country to recognize the achievements of our Veterans and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This Veterans' Week, take the remembrance challenge. There are many ways to show that you remember and honour our Veterans:

• Pin a poppy above your heart.
• Attend the local Remembrance Day ceremony.
• Talk to a friend or relative who has just returned home from Afghanistan or who served in other areas of conflict.
• Listen to Veterans talk about their experiences.
• Create a mashup and share it on the YouTube Channel.
• Visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Facebook fan page, write on our wall and share how you remember.
• Follow Veterans Affairs Canada on Twitter and tweet about how you remember.
• Change your Facebook profile picture to a poppy.
• Blog, tweet or update your Facebook status about the importance of remembrance.

Above all, we must vow never to forget. However you choose to remember, be sure to share with everyone you know. Together, it is our duty to pass on the legacy and keep the memories of our Canadian Veterans alive.

For more information on events planned in your area check our Calendar of Events at veterans.gc.ca/iremember.

Lest we forget.

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada