Harper Government Announces Funding for the Bomber Command Museum of Canada in Nanton, Alberta

NANTON, AB, Sept. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance) and Member of Parliament for Macleod, today announced that the Bomber Command Museum of Canada will receive up to $59,710 for the eligible costs of the documentary entitled Canada's Bomber Command Contribution 2012.

"Our Government is pleased to support commemorative projects like this one, which bring communities together to recognize the sacrifices of our nation's truest heroes," said Minister Blaney. "Through the efforts of organizations such as the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, we honour the contributions of those brave men and women who fought and continue to fight in the defence of peace, freedom, the rule of law and democracy around the world."

"It is our sacred duty to help keep the memory of our Veterans alive," said Minister of State Menzies. "Our Government recognizes the achievements and sacrifices of the thousands of young Canadians who served in Bomber Command and is proud to support events and activities that bring Canadians together to express our gratitude to our Veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families."

The Bomber Command Museum of Canada will create a documentary on the story of Halifax Aircraft LW682 and the role it plays in the Bomber Command Memorial project in London, United Kingdom. The Halifax LW682 was recovered in Belgium in 1997. The heavily damaged remainder of the aircraft was melted down into 1,600 pounds of ingots and stored at the Nanton museum until recently, when 800 pounds of the aluminium was donated to build the Bomber Command Memorial that was unveiled on June 28, 2012, in London, United Kingdom.

The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding for non-profit organizations, educational institutions and other groups interested in planning remembrance initiatives. Funding applications are accepted throughout the year. For more information on the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, please visit veterans.gc.ca.

Note: There will be a photo to accompany this release later this afternoon.

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

Image with caption: "Minister Steven Blaney with Minister of State Ted Menzies, Mayor John Blake and Karl Kjarsgaard of The Bomber Command Museum of Canada during today's funding announcement in Nanton, Alberta (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120904_C3551_PHOTO_EN_17468.jpg