OTTAWA, ON -April 8, 2010- Today Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, attended a luncheon at the Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre to speak with youth about the importance of remembrance on the eve of Vimy Ridge Day and the national ceremony marking the end of an era. Following the passing of Canada’s last First World War Veteran, John “Jack” Babcock, it is important for youth to pay tribute to the achievements and contributions of the 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who served during the Great War of 1914–1918.

The luncheon was held by the Dominion-Historica Institute which, through Encounters with Canada, is hosting its first-ever Vimy Week program to educate youth from all over Canada on the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Tomorrow the youth will participate in the commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial to mark the end of an era. They will lay poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“Canadians are becoming more engaged in remembrance,” said Parliamentary Secretary Kerr. “Your presence here this week is a wonderful testament to that resurgence in remembering our proud military past and the men and women who made it so.”

For more information on plans to mark the end of an era, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.