AFP Newsletter - Summer 2020 ENGLISH

Armed Forces Pensioners’ / Annuitants’ Association of Canada Issue #35 • Summer 2020 2 O n May 8th, 1945, the Allied Powers celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany, formally recog- nising the end of the Second World War in Europe. This became known as VE (Victory in Europe) Day, and 2020 marked the 75th anniversa- ry of the unconditional German surrender. Unfortunately, planned events in Canada and around the world to commemorate this histor- ic event were cancelled due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. As the name suggests, VE-Day only marks the end of the conflict in Europe, when Nazi Germany surrendered after almost six years of war. The war against Japan lasted a few more months and is now marked by VJ-Day (Victory over Japan) celebrations held annually on August 15. A virtual ceremony was held on May 8, 2020 in Ottawa in honour of VE-Day, acknowledging the service and sacrifices of the over 1 mil- lion Canadian and Newfoundland soldiers – 45,000 of whom gave their lives – that participated in the Second World War. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed disappointment that the pandemic has prevented in-person gatherings to thank veterans, but said it shouldn’t stop us from honouring them. “It does not mean that we cannot still honour those who fought and died for us,” he said. “In our homes and in our hearts, today, we remember the brave Canadians who served in the Second World War.” The commemoration, streamed on the Canada Remembers Face- book page, featured a stirring performance of “O Canada” by the Royal Canadian Artillery Band artillery band shown in a 22-person video grid, and performances by a bugler and bagpipe player. Also ap- pearing was Governor General Julie Payette, who encouraged Canadians to celebrate freedom and remain strong in the face of adversity. Other groups across Canada were also encouraging virtual participation in commemorations. The Royal Canadian Legion asked followers to post photos on social media of themselves wearing red to remember the sacrifices made by the 1.1 million Canadians who were in uniform during the war. At the time, that was about 1 in 10 in the country. In lieu of in-person events, VAC has also created a variety of digital commemorative initiatives and activities so that Canadians can remember the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and V-E Day. The Faces of Freedom Podcast, (available at https://www. veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/ commemorative-events/nether- lands-ve-day/podcast ) explores stories of those who served and sacrificed for our country, offering a new, digital forum so their legacy will live on. A newly-launched Home Learn- ing Corner ( https://www.veterans. gc.ca/eng/remembrance/bat- tles-and-stages/liberation-of-neth- erlands/home-learning-corner ) supports parents and students with engaging, home-based educational activities for a variety of ages. This educational material is focused on how our soldiers helped liberate the Dutch people during the Sec- ond World War. As a companion activity, families are invited to send messages of gratitude to those who served our country with a virtual postcard ( https://www.veterans. gc.ca/eng/remembrance/commem- orative-events/netherlands-ve-day/ virtual-postcards ) which will be forwarded to veterans who helped liberate the Netherlands. The Government of Canada had to cancel its plans to send a dele- gation, including some veterans, to attend VE-Day ceremonies in the Netherlands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Veterans Affairs has in- dicated that when it is safe to do so, it will be working with partners in the Netherlands and in Canada to organize in-person commemorative activities. 75th anniversary of VE-Day marked with virtual commemorations in Canada and abroad The AFP/AAC Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 2pm EDT by teleconference call. For those members wishing to participate, please contact us by calling 1-613-432-9491 or email us at secretariat@afpaac.ca to receive the call-in information. There will be no costs incurred for members to call-in. A motion to approve the 2019 audit will be made at the AGM. The audit was conducted by Nephin Winter Bingley and subsequent draft financial statements were provided to the board. The auditor reported that, “in our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as at December 31, 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Accounting Standards for Not for Profit Organizations”. Notice of the 2020 Annual General Meeting