Unveiling of Veterans Plaque at Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena
Victoria, BC
October 11, 2005

[Check Against Delivery]

Thank you, Russell (Moore - retired Rear Admiral).

Your Worship and honoured guests…

It’s a particular pleasure for me to be here today, and for the province to be one of the major sponsors of the Veterans Memorial plaque.

There are a number of other major sponsors on this project – including the City of Victoria, businesses and many individuals that have made this project possible. Thanks go to architect Irvin Kew for his advice and guidance on this project.

And I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Rear Admiral Russell Moore, the fund-raising chair for the Veteran’s Memorial Executive Committee.

I want to acknowledge as well Captain Jack Cockrell, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee. Jack is not able to be with us today, but the fruits of his labour are evident.  And I know I speak for all of us in thanking him for his tireless efforts in bringing forward fund-raising efforts for the veterans memorial plaque.

It is my pleasure to present this cheque on behalf of the Government of British Columbia to Alan Fleury, co-chair of the Veterans Memorial Committee.

For us all to gather here this morning, let’s turn our thoughts towards those that are honoured in the name of this building; the word “memorial” is a part of this space for a reason.

It is fitting that we reflect on this fact – now, in 2005 – which, as you know, is named as the International Year of the Veteran. This year, in particular, we have reason, and opportunity, to pause and consider the sacrifices that our veterans made 60 years ago.

And we remember, and honour, the contributions that Canadian service people make — both in wars and in peacekeeping efforts. The efforts and sacrifice of veterans is often noted and celebrated in our larger community.

Whether it’s some of the Chinese veterans at a Juno Beach event at the Legislature, or a dedication of the Oak Bay cenotaph, the various Remembrance Day activities , the people in our community recognize those that have made possible the freedom that we enjoy today.

We are blessed with the presence of the Canadian Forces Base right in our neighbourhood of Esquimalt. The presence of our colleagues and neighbours at CFB Esquimalt is a reminder to us all that we must not take this sacrifice – and the resulting freedoms -- for granted.

And I’m pleased to see that there are representatives of our various branches of the Canadian Legion with us today.

It is fitting that this modern building stand as a memorial to those that went before. 

I suspect their spirits linger in this space – when we hear the voices and celebration in this community, in this 21^st century.

I am so pleased that the memorial wall, the sculpture “When Peace Comes,” by Maartin Schaddelee and the plaque we are about to unveil – is a permanent part of this Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

Again, thank you for inviting me here today.

Minister Ida Chong's Photo Gallery:
Veterans Memorial Wall and Group Photo