OTTAWA — Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, is looking for all Second World War Veterans. This year, to recognize the 75th Anniversary of Canada’s participation in that conflict, WW II Veterans are eligible to receive a special commemorative tribute.
To mark the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War, the Government of Canada announced a national tribute to honour living Veterans of the Second World War.
Canadians who served at least one day with Canadian Armed Forces, or with any other Allied force including the Canadian or British Merchant Navy, either at home or abroad, during the Second World War, are eligible to receive a special commemorative lapel pin and certificate. MP Gallant asks WW II Veterans, or friends or family on their behalf, to please contact her Constituency Office so she can make sure everyone is properly recognized.
With a population of some 11 million in 1939, Canada’s contribution to the Second World War was disproportionately large. From 1939 to 1945, more than 1 million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served, with more than 55,000 wounded and over 45,000 giving their lives.
It is estimated that there are approximately 80,000 Canadian Second World War Veterans alive today.
The design of the commemorative pin and the illustration on the certificate are based on the original “Victory Nickel” which features a flaming torch and a large ‘V’ standing both for victory and the coin’s denomination. The coin was originally in circulation from 1943 to 1945 and was re-issued in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Ceremonies are being held in conjunction with Canada’s World Wars Commemoration period, which was launched in August 2014 to mark the Centennial of the First World War. Between now and 2020, the Government of Canada will organize and support events and initiatives that pay homage to the many Canadians and Newfoundlanders, who served during the World Wars, and will recognize the enduring legacy of these historical events.
“I join my colleagues across the country in recognizing the tremendous contributions of those who courageously defended our shared values of peace and freedom in the Second World War. Through this tribute, we are remembering and honouring those who served in this conflict with pride and appreciation,” concluded MP Gallant.
