Ottawa – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), and Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, announced today federal government support for a project in Woodstock, Ontario to honour Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“By restoring monuments and cenotaphs across the country, we are ensuring that all Canadians have beautiful places to pay homage to the men and women who have fought for our freedom,” said Minister Blackburn. “Communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast will be able to enjoy these areas of remembrance for years to come.”

The City of Woodstock will receive up to $2,850 to restore the Woodstock Cenotaph at Victoria Park. The Woodstock Cenotaph at Victoria Park was erected by the community in memory of those from Woodstock who sacrificed in the defence of justice, liberty and civilization during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.

“I commend the City of Woodstock for spearheading the restoration of the Woodstock Cenotaph at Victoria Park,” said MP MacKenzie. “Bringing the community together to remember our Veterans is becoming increasingly more important with the passing of time. It is our responsibility, as Canadian citizens, to keep their memories alive.”

This is one of eleven community-led projects receiving a total of $110,120 announced this month by the Government of Canada through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program. Applications to the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups and other organizations interested in restoring local memorials may be eligible for funding.

Please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca for a backgrounder on this project. To learn more about the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program or to apply for funding, you can visit the Web site or call
1-866-522-2122.