2012-02-13 20:45:12 -

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/13/12 --


Editors' Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.


The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, today visited the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre to deliver valentine greetings to Veterans. The cards were created by Canadian students to demonstrate their appreciation of Canadian Veterans who reside in long-term care facilities.



"The Valentines for Vets program is a great way to get Canada's youth engaged in remembering the achievements and sacrifices of our Canadian Veterans," said Minister Blaney. "Our Government will continue to ensure that we honour the important contributions of our Veterans and those who continue to serve our country today."


"It is truly heart-warming to know that Canadians have not forgotten the sacrifices and service of our country's heroes," said Ms. Adams. "Creating these valentines is a small gesture, but it says so much about the special place we will always have in our hearts for our Veterans."


The Valentines for Vets program, run by Veterans Affairs Canada, helps Canadian schools, individuals and organizations send tens of thousands of Valentine's Day cards to Veterans in long-term care facilities across Canada. In its 16th year in Canada, the program will see Veterans in more than 2,000 long-term care facilities receive cards this Valentine's Day.


Valentines for Vets began in the United States in 1989 when Ann Landers, the late American newspaper columnist, made a call to action in her column, encouraging her readers to send cards, on February 14, to Veterans in long-term care facilities.


For more information on the Valentines for Vets program, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.veterans.gc.ca and search "Valentines for Vets."


To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: www.marketwire.com/library/20120213-minister_800_0213.jpg : www.marketwire.com/library/20120213-minister_800_0213.jpg


Contacts:

Media Inquiries:

Janice Summerby

Media Relations Advisor

Veterans Affairs Canada

613-992-7468


Codie Taylor

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs

613-996-4649