Events and Community Visits

Event – May 7, 2005 Iqaluit: VE Day Remembrance Ceremony

To view the complete photo gallery of this event click here.

             Commissioner Ann Hanson hosted a 60th anniversary commemoration in Iqaluit, marking the Allied Victory in Europe over Nazi Germany and Italy in 1945.

            The Commissioner marked the occasion before an audience of Veterans of the Royal Canadian Legion, its members, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, honoured guests and the public.

              She presented the book called “Liberation – The Canadians in Europe”, documenting the role of Canadian soldiers in liberating Europe and helping to end the Second World War.

              “This book is reproduced to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and the end of the Second World War. Her Excellency, the Governor General of Canada has kindly written the preface and the Ministers of National Defence and Veteran Affairs, jointly signed a personal message.

                 “It is my privilege today to be presenting these books as a token of appreciation to express the Canadian Forces’ gratitude for the service of our veterans and the participants on this historic pilgrimage,” said the Commissioner. The book is printed by the Canadian Directory of History and Heritage.

                Commissioner Hanson also honoured the exploits of several veterans of the war and those who have worked with the Royal Canadian Legion to preserve the sacrifice of those who went to war, by honouring them in memory.

               “To a Veteran of the Canadian Woman Army Corps (C.W.A.C), Regiment number W3164,  Marjorie Lalonde: For serving your country and community selflessly for so many years!,” she said to the WWII veteran who worked deciphering enemy codes.

             “To the Royal Canadian Legion: Chris Groves: For representing the Veterans, the Military, the Cadets and the Rangers,” she said to the long-time Legion executive member.

            “To the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,Sergeant Brigit Léger: during the Second World War, the RCMP members were one of the main resources as news-givers” from the outside world because they had radios.  Inuit were kept informed of what was going on in a land we could only know as a land far away,” noted the Commissioner.

           “To the Government Nunavut, department of education, cabinet ministers Ed Picco and Levinia Brown: It is important that we, as Canadians, know our own history.  This book is about Canadians who were overseas fighting for freedom.  This book will help our students learn and live amongst the veterans,” she said.

            “And, finally, to the Nunavut Library Services, Mr. Eepeebee Lyta: Let this book be available to the public. Let the people be moved by Canadians who fought for us by reading or just looking at the pictures,” urged the Commissioner, as she thanked all who attended the historic occasion.

To view the complete photo gallery of this event click here.