While Veteran`s Week and Remembrance Day have drawn to a close, let us never forget the extraordinary accomplishments of our Canadian Veterans, the ordinary men and women who gave everything they had for everything we have.

Today, we not only remember and pay tribute to all Veterans, but we also honour the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who are currently serving our country in Afghanistan and other parts of the world. These men and women continue to protect and promote Canada`s values of peace, freedom and democracy. They are helping to shape the future of our country and the world and their service is a point of great national pride. As a member of the Standing Committee on Veteran`s Affairs, I salute these brave men and women and their families for their unwavering service, dedication and commitment. Our Veterans can continue to count on my support and be assured of our Government`s commitment to deliver programs and services to traditional and modern-day Veterans.

On another note, it may interest you to know that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the Italian Campaign, where, for 20 months, Canadian troops played a vital role in the Allied effort to liberate Italy during the Second World War. More than 93,000 Canadians served in the Italian Campaign. Of those who served, many never returned home.

To honour these men and women and mark this significant anniversary, Veterans Affairs Canada will lead a delegation to Italy at the end of November. Second World War Veterans, who are in the delegation, will be able to visit former battlefields and pay tribute to their fallen comrades.

For more information on the Italian Campaign and to follow the delegation’s journey of remembrance through Italy, please visit http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/.