“SOLDIER ON” AFGHANISTAN RELAY TO VISIT PERTH – May 6, 2014

“SOLDIER ON” AFGHANISTAN RELAY TO VISIT PERTH
On the evening of Tuesday, May 6th, 2014, members of the Canadian Armed Forces “Soldier On” Afghanistan Relay will visit Perth on their way to Ottawa for the May 9th National Day of Honour. Nineteen CAF members who were injured in Afghanistan, will pass the last Canadian flag flown in Afghanistan to one another in a road relay that stretches from CFB Trenton to the National Day of Honour Parade on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The Town of Perth, in cooperation with Perth’s Branch 244 Royal Canadian Legion and the Lanark County Detachment of the OPP, are pleased to host a ceremony at the Crystal Palace in downtown Perth. It’s expected the relay will arrive in Perth via the Scotch Line and head north onto Gore Street at approximately 5:45pm, ending their long day’s trek at the Crystal Palace shortly before 6pm. All citizens of Perth and area are encouraged to line the streets to welcome the CAF members as they arrive, and/or visit the Crystal Palace for the public commemoration ceremony. Perth’s participation and support will provide the CAF members with the opportunity to thank the community for its continued support, pay respect to the fallen and raise awareness of Soldier On, a unique CAF program that provides resources and opportunities for all ill and injured members to accept their new normal and adopt an active lifestyle. The CAF members will be available to interact with the public following the ceremony.

The Town of Perth is honoured that the “Soldier On” team chose Perth as part of their relay route. Says Perth Mayor John Fenik, “The Soldier On Relay is a significant, national event and the Town of Perth and its partners are extremely pleased to participate and recognize the extreme sacrifices made by members of Canada’s Armed Forces. I strongly encourage all citizens of Perth and area to attend the ceremony in a show of support for our Canadian troops.”

The ceremony starts at 6pm and is expected to last about 30 minutes; limited seating will be available. The Tay Basin Parking Lot will be closed to accommodate the relay. For further information about Solider On please visit their Facebook page at Soldier On Afghanistan Relay. For information on the event as it pertains to Perth, please call 613-267-1947.

INFORMATION:
John DeRosenroll, CAO
Town of Perth
613-267-3311 Ext. 2240
jderosenroll@perth.ca or http://www.perth.ca/