His Excellency Toomas Hendrik Ilves,
President of the Republic of Estonia, accompanied by the Honourable
Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La
Francophonie, today paid tribute to Canadian Veterans and Canadian
Armed Forces personnel during a wreath-laying ceremony at the National
War Memorial.
"Since Estonia regained its independence in 1991, our countries have
worked together on military operations with the goal of defending
peace, freedom and democracy around the world," said Minister Blaney.
"We are grateful to the people of Estonia for recognizing the
commitment and sacrifices of Canada's Veterans and our men and women in
uniform today."
An estimated 24,000 individuals of Estonian descent call Canada home,
making it the second largest Estonian community outside of Estonia.
Canada was among the first countries to recognize Estonia's
independence in 1991 and was first to ratify its accession to the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004. In addition, both Estonia
and Canada participate in the NATO-led International Security Force in
Afghanistan.
During the ceremony, President Ilves signed the Livre D'Or, a guest book for foreign dignitaries, which records their
participation in commemorative ceremonies at the National War Memorial.
More information on Canada's military history can be found on the
Veterans Affairs Canada website at veterans.gc.ca.
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