Proceeds to be donated to the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial and the Military Families Fund
TRENTON, ONTARIO – October 31, 2011 – Today in Trenton, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a silver coin to commemorate the Highway of Heroes. During the ceremony, the Mint also announced that $20 dollars from the sale of each Highway of Heroes commemorative coin will be shared between the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial and the Military Families Fund.
“This silver coin commemorates the spontaneous outpouring of emotion by thousands of Canadians who have gathered along the roadway and overpasses of the Highway of Heroes to pay tribute to the brave Canadian men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The Highway of Heroes commemorative coin also continues the proud Mint tradition of issuing coins that honour Canada’s veterans and the theme of Remembrance.”
“With this special coin, the Government of Canada is paying homage to every day Canadians who have shown their unwavering support to the families who have accompanied our fallen soldiers as they made the journey along the Highway of Heroes,” said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Royal Canadian Mint. “The donation to the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial and the Military Families Fund through the sale of this coin will ensure that the spirit of the Highway of Heroes will endure for years to come.”
“As we approach Veteran’s Week and Remembrance Day on November 11th, Canadians across this great country are taking a moment to think of the brave men and women who serve and sacrifice to protect our nation,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “The Highway of Heroes is a grassroots movement that symbolizes the outpouring of support for the efforts of the Canadian Forces. I am proud that the Royal Canadian Mint has captured the emotion of this movement and I commend them for supporting military charities.”
The Highway of Heroes commemorative silver coin, which has a limited mintage of 25,000, can be ordered today by directly contacting the Royal Canadian Mint at 1-800- 267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca/heroes. This coin will also be sold at the Mint’s boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets. backgrounder for further information.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint’s history, its products and services, please visit www.mint.ca.
About the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial
To be located in Trenton, Ontario, the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial will be a beautiful, permanent memorial honouring Canadian soldiers – the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the conflict in Afghanistan. Construction is planned to begin in 2012. Canadians’ help is needed to build this great memorial and donations can be made online at www.afghanistanmemorial.ca.
About the Military Families Fund
The Military Families Fund was created in April 2007 by General Rick Hillier, the former Chief of Defence Staff to assist military families faced with unforeseen and often immediate needs that have resulted due to conditions of service. The fund continues to grow through the generous contributions of Canadians, corporations and other organizations, adding a new vehicle to support Canadian Forces members and their families. For more information, please visit www.militaryfamiliesfund.ca
