2020 National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program

September 29, 2020 - Defence Stories

Each November, we honour the valour, duty, and tremendous sacrifices of those who came before us. As we carry on their proud legacy, we must also share those stories with Canadians, and help them to understand the breadth and impact of how Canadian veterans, past and present, have served our country.

The Canadian Armed Forces plays an important role supporting Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week activities through the National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program.

This annual program provides an opportunity for CAF members to highlight the diverse work you do, while paying tribute to Canadian veterans, past and present.

Many of you have volunteered your time over the years to speak during Veterans’ Week. Thanks to your contributions, the National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program has seen an increasing number of requests for CAF speakers every year. Last year, there were unprecedented numbers of learning institutions and other organizations wanting to be a part of this amazing program. CAF members volunteered to give more than 2,500 in-person presentations, reaching more than 740,000 Canadians.

In light of COVID-19, this year’s program will look a little different. Veterans' Week activities, like many others, have been impacted by the pandemic, but it is no less important that we continue to be present in our communities, to tell our story, and to honour our past. It is important that our message of Remembrance be shared and that we continue to build relationships with learning institutions and community organizations across Canada. This year, to maintain health and safety of our members, our partner organizations, and Canadians, the National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program is going virtual.

Going virtual means that instead of speaking at in-person events, CAF members will have the opportunity to be part of a series of CAF speaker videos, or to participate in live virtual presentations using online platforms.

For CAF members who have taken part in the program in previous years, I thank you for your participation and encourage you to work with your chain of command and local representatives and get involved again this year. For those who have not yet had the opportunity, you are encouraged to take part in this important annual endeavour.

A CDS Tasking Order (link accessible only on the National Defence network) and CANFORGEN (link accessible only on the National Defence network) and Public Affairs Guidance are now available online.

J.H. Vance
General