MP MacKenzie Announces Federal Funding For The Heroes Of Zorra

Township of Zorra– Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino, today announced federal funding for the Heroes of Zorra under the Community Engagement Partnership Fund. This fund provides opportunities for non-profit organizations to engage in a variety of national and regional initiatives and pay tribute to our brave men and women who served our country with valour.

Heroes of Zorra is a commemorative weekend long event that kicks off on Friday August 16 with an educational afternoon on life in the 1800s followed by a busy day on Saturday with an official ceremony, re-enactment of the Battle of Petersburg, and an Old Tyme Community social. The event concludes on Sunday with a special church service, which will include a plaque dedication and final re-enactment. This special event will also launch the Heroes of Zorra website, which will go live on Saturday and will pay tribute to individuals from Zorra who have served in the Canadian Forces from the mid-1800s to today.

“Canada commends the work of the Township of Zorra in taking steps to recognize its heroes,” Minister Fantino noted. “As always, we must encourage Canadians from coast to coast to remember the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have ensured our freedoms both at home and around the world.”

“We are always pleased to promote the historical significance of the people of Oxford,” stated MP MacKenzie. “The Heroes of Zorra highlights the sacrifice and courage of our men and women and their contribution to our community, to Canada, and to the world.”

“Our committee is extremely pleased to receive this support and offer a significant event recognizing the historical efforts of the servicemen and women of Zorra,” said Chair of the Committee for the Heroes of Zorra Shirley McCall Hanlon. “This funding allows us to not only honour these brave men and women, but also allows the event to be free to the public and therefore encourage their engagement.”

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) strives to keep alive the achievements and sacrifices made by those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. Engaging Canadians in the remembrance of these achievements and sacrifices is one of the key objectives of VAC’s Canada Remembers Program. However, VAC also recognizes that it does not and cannot stand alone in honouring Veterans’ achievements and sacrifices. In pursuing its objective to engage Canadians in remembrance, Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides financial assistance to non-profit groups and organizations who share these mutual commemorative goals. The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides opportunities to engage in a variety of national and regional partnerships with non-profit organizations to undertake remembrance initiatives. For more information on this program, or to make an application, visit www.veterans.gc.ca.