During the Second World War, Canadians from all walks of life accomplished much and sacrificed greatly in the fight for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. This year's 75th anniversary of the Italian Campaign recognizes and remembers the more than 93,000 Canadians who served in this bitter struggle-an important step in finally achieving victory in Europe in May 1945.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, unveiled the official poster for Veterans' Week to commemorate the Italian Campaign during the Second World War.
The poster features Lieutenant (retd) Maxine Llewelyn Bredt-a Nursing Sister in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps who helped treat the sick and wounded during the Italian Campaign. Ms. Bredt, in her former uniform, is superimposed on a photo showing soldiers of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in the Sicilian town of Agira after capturing it in July 1943.
Minister MacAulay unveiled the poster at HMCS Haida National Historic Site-a fitting site during the Parks Canada one-day Women of War exhibit honouring the women of the Second World War. Historic displays, photo exhibits and costumed interpreters celebrated the contributions of women in the military, munitions factories and on the homefront.
Quotes
"For more than a year and a half, Canadian soldiers battled from landings in Sicily to northern Italy. Their bravery, skill and endurance helped pave the way to the liberation of Europe. It is our responsibility to keep Veterans' stories alive-like Maxine Bredt's-and sustain their legacy for generations to come."
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
