WHITEHORSE - This Sunday Yukoners are recognizing local veterans and the sacrifices they made with a ceremony, parade and reception. The event is being held in commemoration of the 60th anniversaries of the victory in Europe and the victory over Japan in 1945.
"World War II consumed 55 million lives; it left most of Europe and Asia in ruins, and it produced fear and suffering to an extent the world had neither seen nor imagined," Premier Dennis Fentie said. "May 8, 1945 saw the beginning of the end of that violent and tumultuous period in our history."
The Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Yukon government are co-hosting the anniversaries' event. Veterans, their families and all participating groups will gather Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Whitehorse city hall for a wreath-laying, followed by a parade to the Yukon government administration building foyer where a reception hosted by the premier will commence.
"Our Canadian Forces members are among those to whom we owe a tremendous debt that can only be repaid through active remembrance," Fentie added. "We will gather to acknowledge that the peace and freedom that are ours today were paid for by Canadians 60 years ago."
The public is invited and encouraged to attend all Sunday's events.
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Contact:
Anthony Delorenzo
Communications Analyst
(867) 667-5339
anthony.delorenzo@gov.yk.ca