Canadian Veterans participate in annual Candlelight Tribute
News Release
Passing the torch of remembrance to Canada’s youth
November 7, 2016 — Ottawa — Veterans Affairs Canada
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, joined His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, and Mr. Stephen Quick, Director General, Canadian War Museum, this evening at the Canadian War Museum for the 17th annual Candlelight Tribute honouring Canada’s Veterans.
The event featured a symbolic passing of the torch of remembrance, during which Veterans handed candles to youth. The moving tradition pays respect to the many brave men and women in uniform who have served Canada throughout the years to protect our shared values.
Quotes
“The candlelight ceremony is a beautiful and solemn tribute to Canada’s fallen military members. What makes this event truly remarkable is the heartfelt contribution of young Canadians. The emotional remembrance ceremony is organized, start to finish, by youth volunteers. The candlelight ceremony is a moment for all of us to reflect on the generations of Canadians who answered the call of duty to restore freedom and peace in Canada and around the world. We will remember them.”
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“Canada is the country it is today because of the generations of brave Canadian men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. For all they have given our nation and our communities, in times of conflict and at times of peace, we owe them our unending gratitude.”
His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa
“The Candlelight Tribute is a way to link Canadians, young and old, and provide us with the opportunity to gather and remember the service and often ultimate sacrifice of Canadian men and women in a very meaningful way. The Canadian War Museum is a place where we present the history of this great country we call Canada through the stories of those who served and those who serve and provide a place where we come together at special times like this to honour that service."
Stephen Quick, Director General, Canadian War Museum
Quick facts
- This signature Veterans’ Week event, co-hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada, the City of Ottawa and the Canadian War Museum, is now in its 17th year. It was inspired by a similar tradition that began in the Netherlands in 1995 to honour Canadian Veterans.
- Next year, Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele and the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
- Since Confederation, more than 2.3 million Canadians have served in Canada’s armed forces to defend freedom and democracy—with more than 118,000 having given their lives.
- Veterans’ Week is a time when all Canadians come together to honour those who have sacrificed and those who continue to serve today to make our world a safer place. This Veterans’ Week, Remember Them. Learn more at canada.ca/rememberthem.
- In a world where social media connects millions of us, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to take part in one or more acts of remembrance leading up to November 11. Tag posts with #RememberThem to help show how Canada remembers.
Related links
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Contacts
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@vac-acc.gc.ca
Sarah McMaster
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
City of Ottawa
Media contact
613-580-2450
Livia Belcea
Press Secretary
Office of Mayor Jim Watson
613-809-2717
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