Canada Remembers its Merchant Navy Veterans

OTTAWA, Aug. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, joined Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans at the National War Memorial to remember the fallen members of the Merchant Navy and mark the 9^th annual Merchant Navy Veterans Day.

"Supplies are critical for survival and crucial for victory during wartime," said Minister Blaney. "Canada's overseas forces in the First and Second World Wars would have had a slim chance of either without the successful delivery of equipment, fuel, goods and personnel. For that, we are forever indebted to our Merchant Navy."

Each year, Canadians mark Merchant Navy Veterans Day on September 3. This event was held today to coincide with the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association's Annual General Meeting in Ottawa.

"Canada's Merchant Navy played a critical role both overseas and closer to home during the First and Second World Wars," said Member of Parliament Poilievre. "Our Merchant Navy frequently navigated the deadly waters of the North Atlantic between North America and Britain in order to deliver the essential materials needed to help secure victory in both world wars."

On this occasion, Canadians are encouraged to not only remember our Veterans, but to also honour our Canadian Armed Forces members who continue to serve today.

Of the 12,000 brave men and women who served in Canada's Merchant Navy during the Second World War, 1,629 gave their lives. More information on the role played by Canada's Merchant Navy in the Second World War can be found on the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada