VETERANS' WEEK PROCLAIMED

A minute of silence was observed today to honour veterans during the annual Remembrance Service for the Public Service at the Legislative Building.

During the service, Premier Lorne Calvert signed a proclamation marking Veterans' Week November 5th-11th. Veterans' Week is a time to recognize and remember the lives lost and the accomplishments of all veterans. The theme of Veterans' Week 2004 is Canada Remembers the Italian Campaign.

"We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made to preserve our values and way of life," Premier Calvert said. "Events and activities throughout this week help ensure that the story of their devotion and duty is remembered and passed on to younger generations."

Today's remembrance service included a symbolic candlelight tribute as an act of remembrance. Participating in the ceremony was James Sinclair, an Italian Campaign Veteran, Premier Lorne Calvert and students from W. F. Ready and Lakeview Schools.

"Lighting the candle is an act of passing the torch of remembrance from one generation to another and engages youth with veterans in an act of remembrance," Sinclair said. "It is important to help our youth understand the challenges and hardships veterans faced and to give them a deeper understanding of how fortunate we are to enjoy democracy and peace in Canada."

"I encourage all public servants to take some time this Remembrance Day, to reflect on the contributions of our armed forces," Calvert said. "Through their courageous service and selfless sacrifice, our veterans have given us a legacy of peace and freedom."

The first Remembrance Day was held in 1919, commemorating the end of the First World War on Monday, November 11th, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. Today services of remembrance are held in cities and towns throughout the world.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-5959