Bear River, NS – The Bear River Village Cenotaph will be restored thanks to support from the Government of Canada.

On behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Greg Kerr, Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for West Nova, announced today federal government support for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 22. The funding will be used to help relocate and conserve the Village Cenotaph in Bear River, N.S.

The RCL Branch 22 received $1,605, as part of a national funding announcement Minister Thompson made December 15th, 2008. Funding was provided through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program, and will allow the cenotaph to be dismantled and rebuilt in the park adjacent to Branch 22.

“Our cenotaphs remind us of the great sacrifices Canadians have made for the freedom we enjoy today,” said Minister Thompson. “The Bear River Village Cenotaph is a poignant symbol of conflicts past and present.”

Greg Kerr added, “The restored Cenotaph will provide the citizens of Bear River with a more prominent place to honour all of Canada’s service men and women.”

The Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program helps communities across Canada to preserve the memory of those who have served our country. Through partnerships with community groups and local organizations, the cenotaphs and monuments honouring Veterans, Canada’s war dead and significant events, are maintained with the standard of care and dignity that they deserve.

To learn more about the program or to apply for funding, call 1-877-604-8489 or visit

www.vac-acc.gc.ca

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Media Enquiries: Office of Greg Kerr, MP – 613-995-5711