The Government of Canada has declared 2005 the Year of the Veteran. Canadians will celebrate throughout the year, honour, remember, and teach our youth about the contributions and sacrifice of our veterans.
Though every year we honour veterans and their service, 2005 is especially meaningful as it marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Second World War veterans Smoky Smith and Cliff Chadderton will act as Patron and Honorary Chair of the Year of the Veteran, respectively, while General (Ret) Charles Belzile will chair an advisory committee.

Some Year of the Veteran highlights include:

• Recognizing Second World War veterans on Victory in Europe (VE) Day in May
• Opening the new Canadian War Museum in May with veterans as the first guests of honour;
• Unveiling the Seventh Book of Remembrance on Parliament Hill to commemorate CF members killed in service since the Korean War;
• Community initiatives that will pass the torch of remembrance to young Canadians;
• Helping veterans share their stories with youth.
• VAC also plans to launch its Heroes Remember project.

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