THE Government of Canada is reaching out into communities across the country to recognize and honour all living Second World War veterans with a commemorative lapel pin and certificate of recognition.
On September 10, Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino announced a new national tribute to mark the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War and the extraordinary role Canadians played in WWII. All living Canadian Veterans of the Second World War are eligible to receive a limited-edition commemorative lapel pin and a personalized certificate of recognition.
“I am extremely pleased that we at Canada India Foundation proposed this idea to include the WWII Veterans from India and other allied countries. It will be a great pleasure and pride to see Indian Veterans being honoured alongside Canadian Veterans,” says Laj Prasher, National Convenor, Canada India Foundation, who pushed for this recognition.
He added: “Our Canadian Government takes great pride in remembering and honouring the brave and courageous men and women living among us who served to defend our freedom and cherished way of life”
Canadians, including those from the Indian armed forces, who served at least one day with the Canadian forces or with any other Allied force, including the Canadian or British Merchant Navy, either at home or abroad, during the Second World War are eligible to apply for the commemorative lapel pin and certificate. Allied veterans, such as those from India, who fought alongside the Canadians or the British and who are now Canadian citizens living in Canada are eligible.
From a young nation of 11 million, more than one million Canadian and Newfoundland men and women served in the Second World War. By the end of the war, Canada had the third largest navy, the fourth largest air force and an army of six divisions. However, Canada’s losses were tremendous: more than 45,000 Canadian men and women gave their lives and another 55,000 were wounded. The estimated Second World War population is currently 80,000.
Canada India Foundation encourages all Indian Veterans with Canadian citizenship and now living in Canada to approach their MP to add their names to the list.
Request forms are available online at:
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/forms/document/542
