Harper Government Announces Funding for War Memorial in Brighton, Ontario

BRIGHTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -02/22/12)- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, announced up to $50,000 in support for a project in Brighton, Ontario, to honour Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This funding, provided through the Community War Memorial Program, will support the construction of the Brighton War and Peacekeeping Memorial.

"It is our sacred duty to remember and honour the brave men and women who served Canada so selflessly. The memorials we build today will forever reflect our nation's gratitude to the generations of Canadians who allow us to live in peace and freedom," said Minister Blaney. "Our Government is proud to support projects that help honour the sacrifices of our Veterans and our service men and women."

"Our community war memorials serve as lasting reminders of the achievements and contributions of those who served their country and made the supreme sacrifice for their fellow citizens," said Mr. Norlock. "I applaud the community of Brighton for providing a special place, such as the Brighton War and Peacekeeping Memorial, to come together as proud Canadians to honour our Veterans."

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #100 and the Council of the Municipality of Brighton will construct the Brighton War and Peacekeeping Memorial to commemorate the local citizens of Brighton who served in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War and peacekeeping missions. The project involves replacing the existing monument that is damaged beyond repair. Planned construction work includes building a new cenotaph, replacing the main walkway and building two new walkways to the sidewalk. New benches, replacement flagpoles and lighting will be installed at the site.

Through the Community War Memorial Program, the Government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of our Veterans and members of our armed forces by partnering with community groups and local organizations to build new cenotaphs and monuments.

Applications to the Community War Memorial Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones.

For more information, visit veterans.gc.ca.

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