Editor:
I would like to share the correspondence I received from the federal Minister of Veteran Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture) Jean-Pierre Blackburn, P.C., M.P.
Thank you for your e-mails and for sending me a copy of your DVD commemorating the 65 anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.
First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your dedicated service to Canada. All Canadians benefit from the many achievements and sacrifices of those who have served in times of war, armed conflict and peace and we remain truly grateful to them.
I was pleased to learn that you were able to participate in the memorial services held at the Canadian war cemeteries in the Netherlands last May. I was honoured to take part in these commemorative ceremonies as part of the Government of Canada delegation and I enjoyed viewing your slide show presentation of the events. The DVD produced by you and Ms. Lin MacAlinden is a poignant tribute to all those who participated in the Liberation of the Netherlands, in particular the six Canadian soldiers from Quesnel who gave their lives during that campaign.
It may interest you to know that all of Canada’s war dead are commemorated on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial at www.virtualmemorial.gc.ca.
Again thank you for writing and for sharing your DVD. Your interest in promoting remembrance and ensuring the stories of Canada’s fallen are preserved for future generations is greatly appreciated and I wish you and Ms. MacAlinden every success with your ongoing efforts in support of veterans.
Jan Robertson
Quesnel