Minister Steven Blaney Hosts a Viewing of Dieppe Uncovered

OTTAWA, Nov. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - In honor of Veterans' Week, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, hosted more than 200 people, including Canadian Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel, at a special screening of HISTORY'S documentary, Dieppe Uncovered, at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

In August, the Minister joined with Canadian Veterans of the Dieppe Raid for the world premiere of the documentary in Dieppe, France, to mark the 70^th anniversary of the Raid. During the trip, the Minister and the Veterans also visited Dieppe, which marked the first time many of the Veterans had set foot on the beach since they landed there 70 years ago.

"While no new revelation will change the tragic fact that 900 proud Canadians lost their lives that day, this unique documentary is a milestone in the history and the understanding of the Dieppe Raid, and helps us realize how important this mission was to the overall outcome of the war," said Minister Blaney. "Our Government is proud to host events to raise awareness and promote remembrance, especially during Veterans' Week, and this important documentary helps provide some of the rational as to why those brave Canadians were asked to sacrifice so greatly 70 years ago."

The Dieppe Uncovered documentary is based on the research of military historian David O'Keefe. It provides new information on the reasons behind the Dieppe Raid.

"HISTORY is committed to commissioning documentaries that offer new discoveries, research and perspectives and give further insights into Canada's past. We are thankful that Minister Blaney's endorsement of our landmark project Dieppe Uncovered has brought the film directly to the real heroes of this story," said Barbara Williams, Senior Vice-President, Content, Shaw Media.

"I am grateful that the Dieppe research has received such strong support from HISTORY and Minister Blaney, and I am hopeful it will continue to provide deeper meaning to the Veterans who bravely participated in this raid," said David O'Keefe, Military Historian, Dieppe Uncovered.

Dieppe Uncovered explores the research of David O'Keefe, one of Canada's leading military historians. Through his study of recently declassified military documents, O'Keefe has discovered information confirming Sir Ian Fleming's involvement in the planning of an ultra-secret mission to steal the German documents and devices that would allow the Allies to decrypt their enemy's codes. Although Fleming's mission ultimately failed, Dieppe Uncovered explores the strategy behind the raid, offering reason and meaning to one of the darkest days in Canadian military history.

The screening is one of many events held this Veterans' Week to commemorate the sacrifices of Canada's Veterans.

"I thought it was wonderful of Minister Blaney to take us back to Dieppe and bring this special commemorative event, and new information, to the public. The information revealed by Dieppe Uncovered was quite surprising and certainly made the raid more worthwhile," said Canadian Dieppe Veteran, Roy Wozniak, Royal Canadian Air Force. "The opportunity for me to place a wreath on my buddy Ed Gardner's grave in France was very special."

This Veterans' Week, take the time to remember by attending a Remembrance Day ceremony, visiting a local cenotaph or monument, sharing your thoughts of remembrance online, or wearing a poppy with pride. Learn more and find remembrance events and activities in your area at veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada