Monument to Métis Who Served in WWI and WWII Announced for Juno Beach

COURSEULLES-SUR-MER, France, June 6 /CNW Telbec/ - A monument to Métis Nation citizens who fought during the two World Wars will be erected at Canada's Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. The Métis National Council's


Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Chartrand, made the announcement today while attending commemoration ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the June 6, 1944 liberation of Europe by Allied Forces during World War II.


"Thousands of Métis Nation citizens bravely and selflessly answered the call to serve during the World Wars," said Chartrand. "This monument will stand in eternal remembrance to those Métis who fought, who were wounded, and who died defending their people, their country, and world freedom."


The monument will consist of an exhibit highlighting the history of the Métis Nation in Canada and a Red River Cart, a widely recognized symbol of the Métis Nation currently being constructed in the Métis Nation homeland. The Red River Cart will be accompanied by Métis Nation veterans and youth to Juno Beach in November, where they will take part in its unveiling with a dedication ceremony during 2009 Remembrance Day events.


"Métis soldiers, sailors, and aircrew made incredible sacrifices for Canada's war efforts," said Chartrand. "This monument is a long overdue acknowledgement to these brave Métis men and women."


Minister Chartrand went on to thank Veterans Affairs Canada and the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis for their assistance in making the monument possible and providing resources for Métis Nation veterans and youth to participate in its dedication ceremony.