Veterans Affairs Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 9, 2009) - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, issued the following statement today on behalf of the Government of Canada in response to damage to the war memorial in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

"War memorials across Canada honour the men and women who have served this country in times of war-courageous Canadians who have sacrificed their lives to protect our shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

This act of disrespect is especially disappointing coming just before Remembrance Day. It is at this site that thousands of people will join together on Wednesday in honour of Canada's Veterans.

The senseless damage done to this memorial dishonours the memory of these brave men and women. It saddens the entire community, and I join all Canadians in denouncing this act of disrespect."