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Parliamentary Secretary Eve Adams Honours Civilian VolunteersOTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jun 23, 2012 (Marketwire via COMTEX) -- On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Brampton South, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on the occasion of St. John Day. "Since 1883, in any disaster, human or natural, St. John Ambulance Canada volunteers have been offering their expertise and, above all, their compassion," said Minister Blaney. "These volunteers serve our country and share many attributes with Veterans and members of the Canadian Forces. Our Government is proud to pay tribute to the members of the Order of St. John and the important work they have done, and continue to do in support of members of the Canadian Forces." "Today we are paying tribute to the members of the Order of St. John and the important work they have done, and continue to do, in support of the members of the Canadian Forces," said Ms. Adams. "Our Government will continue to ensure that we honour those who dedicate their lives to supporting our Veterans and our service men and women." Their tradition of service includes wartime service at home and overseas-both ambulance and nursing divisions-emergency and disaster response, and first aid and home nursing training and service. In the First World War, volunteers organized the national anti-gas training program and first aid posts, helped prisoners of war and provided medical reserves and volunteer nurses to serve with the armed forces. During the Second World War, their response was immediate and lasting. As an example, more than 230 young women volunteered to go overseas to serve as Voluntary Aid Detachment personnel. Today, the organization provides first aid training for reservists and military personnel. In current international conflicts, St. John members offer humanitarian aid. For more information, visit www.veterans.gc.ca. SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada Media Inquiries: Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada 613-992-7468 Jean Christophe de le Rue Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs 613-996-4649 |