This article was first published in the GCC London Newsletter. You can access it at the following link http://www.gcclondon.ca/images/May-2014-GCC-Newsletter.pdf
The GCC executive is continuing to develop the implementation process for the Honouring Veterans initiative for the Garrison Community Council (London and Region). The Honouring Veterans initiative is designed to acknowledge the service of individual Canadian Forces (CF) and RCMP veterans as well celebrate our rich military heritage, both past and present, while continuing our traditions of Remembrance. The Honouring Veterans initiative supports the GCC’s mission to focus on building a greater understanding of the Canadian Forces within the civilian community. The executive is finalizing the processes for nominations, collecting names, and selecting potential veterans to be recognized.
This list of significant military dates (see May’s below) serves as background for the honouring veterans initiative. Military Spouse Day (May 7) and Armed Forces Day ( May 15) have been included although it appears that these days are only celebrated in the U.S. (at this time). The list of significant military dates in May below is not conclusive and is for reference only.
Some Significant Military Dates in May
May 4, 2014
Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic lasted 2,075 days and was the longest campaign of the Second World War. It pitted Allied navies against German and Italian naval forces, especially submarines, in a battle to safeguard the essential flow of shipping between North America and Europe.
May 5, 2014
Liberation of the Netherlands
Canadians complete the liberation of the Netherlands- 1945
May 7, 2014
May Military Spouse Day
Military Spouse Day is celebrated on May 7 (in the U.S.) as a day to honor military spouses for the support they give to their own and to other military families, to
honor their contributions to their communities, and to acknowledge the sacrifices they make in support of their country. It was first observed in 1984.
May 8, 2014
V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day)
V-E Day is the anniversary of the German unconditional surrender in 1945, ending World War II in Europe.
May 9, 2014
National Day of Honour
Commemorates the strength and the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan,
and recognizes and supports the friends and families of the fallen.
May 15, 2014
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day has been in existenceeach year on May 15 in the U.S. since1947 as a day of combined celebrationand honour (for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces).
The Garrison Community Council 