CP2004-000921
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA UNVEILS A PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE THE NATIONAL HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BATTLE FOR ORTONA, ITALY
ORTONA, ITALY, October 28, 2004 — The Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, unveiled, on behalf of the Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of the Battle for Ortona in Italy, during the Second World War.
This ceremony was part of a Government of Canada commemorative program to mark the 60th anniversary of the Canadian key role in the Italian campaign.
"The Battle for Ortona has become legendary in Canadian military history," said Minister Dion. "The fighting at Ortona was extremely difficult, and it was Canadian bravery and sacrifice that won the day. It is more than fitting that at long last we commemorate the achievement of the valiant soldiers to whom we owe so much."
The significance of Ortona to Canada comes not from the intrinsic military importance of the battle, but as a tribute to the men who fought there and the women who volunteered to nurse them under shellfire.
"Every nation's identity is defined by the great struggles that mark its history," said Minister Guarnieri. "For Canadians, many of those defining moments occurred an ocean away from our shores. Ortona was a place where what Canadians did in life truly echoes in eternity."
This is the first of three plaques being unveiled by the Government of Canada in Italy over the next four days. The second will be unveiled in Rimini on October 30 to commemorate the Breaching of the Gothic Line by the Canadian Army, and the third in Ispica on November 2 to commemorate the Canadian Landing in Sicily.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of persons, places and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness of Canada's heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Emma Orawiec
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Michel Audy
Executive Secretary
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
(819) 997-0129