February 21 - Halifax –The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, encouraged CF personel to get involved in The Memory Project at a special outreach event at CFB Halifax. The Memory Project is a speakers’ bureau through which thousands of veterans and CF personnel share their stories of service and sacrifice with classrooms across the country.
"The Memory Project helps ensure that Canadians never forget how freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law have been safeguarded by members of the Canadian Forces, past and present, at home or overseas," said the Hon. Peter MacKay. "I am proud to support the program and I encourage CF personnel and veterans of all ages to join The Memory Project and share their stories with young people in their communities."
"We thank Minister MacKay for his support of The Memory Project and for helping us to engage the next generation of veterans,” sais Marc Chalifoux, Executive Vice-President of The Historica-Dominion Institute. “Our volunteers help bring to life Canada’s military, from the Second World War to peacekeeping missions to the mission in Afghanistan."
Minister MacKay’s keynote address to place at a special event held this afternoon (2PM) at Juno Tower on CFB Halifax. The event was preceded by a Memory Project training session attended by currently serving Canadian Forces servicemen and women, including Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Maritime Forces Atlantic, Commodore Mark Norman,, as well as veterans from the Second World War, Korean War and peacekeeping operations. Local teachers and students will also present.
Created in 2001, The Memory Project is a speakers’ bureau of veterans and CF personnel who visit classrooms across the country to share their stories with young Canadians. Its 1,500 volunteers represent a wide range of conflicts, including the Second World War, Korean War, peacekeeping operations and the mission in Afghanistan. This past Fall, the Memory Project celebrated a special milestone, its one-millionth student reached. Visit
www.thememoryproject.com to find out more.
The Historica-Dominion Institute is a national charitable organization that was launched on September 1, 2009 through the amalgamation of two existing organizations: The Historica Foundation of Canada and The Dominion Institute. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Some of its signature programs include: Encounters with Canada, Passages to Canada and The Canadian Encyclopedia. Visit
www.historica-dominion.ca
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For more information:
Kailee Novikoff
Program Coordinator
1.866.701.1867
416.660.2096 (cell)
knovikoff@historica-dominion.ca