Tribute for a job well done....
MAY 5, 2007 - 18:18 ET
Bosnian Park Dedicated To Canadian Forces
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - May 5, 2007) - In recognition of the significant contribution the Canadian Forces (CF) have made to help bring peace and security in the Bihac region of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Mayor of Bihac, Mr. Hamdija Lipovaca, announced the dedication of a local park, Canadian Memorial Park, during a ceremony held in Bihac earlier today.
With this dedication, Canadian Memorial Park will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the CF, especially those who were wounded or killed while serving as part of peace-support operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Since 1992, more than 40,000 CF members have served in the Balkan region, of which 23 Canadians lost their lives in the service of peace.
"The men and women of the Canadian Forces have left a very positive impression of Canada upon the people of Bihac," said Mayor Lipovaca. "It is fitting then that this park dedication serve as a lasting memory of Canada's devotion to helping the people of Bihac return to a peaceful way of life," he added.
"Our soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel have formed deep-rooted bonds of friendship with the people of Bihac they have had the privilege of meeting and working with over the past decade and a half," said Major-General Stuart Beare, who attended the ceremony as the senior Canadian military representative. "We in the Canadian Forces, as well as all Canadians, share a great sense of pride knowing vital infrastructure has been re-built and there is now burgeoning prosperity evident with busy shops, crowded cafes and bustling streets," he added.
Canadian Memorial Park is located along the Una River, which runs through the town of Bihac. This specific site was chosen for its peaceful setting and popularity as a destination for both the local population and tourists.
NOTE TO NEWS/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS:
1. Images of the park commemoration ceremony can be found on the Combat Camera web site: <
http://combatcamera.ca/new_photos.html>;
2. Interviews can be arranged between Canadian media outlets and Canadian Forces personnel who are in Bosnia-Herzegovina by contacting the National Defence Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353/54.
3. Additional background information of Canadian Forces operations in Bosnia-Hergegovina can also be found on the CF website at:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/current_ops_e.asp
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