OTTAWA, ON, May 27, 2004 - The National Council of Veteran Associations stated today that, if the Government adds some additional recipients to the $1,000 "hand out" for those who wish to attend the D-Day ceremonies at Juno Beach, it is a question of piling disaster upon disaster.

Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of NCVA, stated that the problem was not one of money. "The veterans could probably afford the money, although it would cost about $3,500 for a veteran to take his wife, and add ground transportation. There is also the problem of passports because they are dealing with the French Government. Moreover, there is absolutely no accommodation and it has been booked by the Americans and British all along the Normandy coast for up to one year," he said.

Chadderton expressed the hope that Prime Minister Martin's advisors would not suggest to him that a way out of the present dilemma is simply to throw more money at the D-Day veterans. "This would serve to aggravate an already intensive situation which is creating a split between the 60 D-Day veterans who made up the official party and the other veterans who have paid their own way but might qualify for a $1,000 bonus," he said.

Chadderton stated that, should this occur, a post-mortem should be carried out to determine how a Government department such as Veterans Affairs, with commemorative staff of at least 15 or 20, could develop a commemorative visit which, instead of paying tribute, is causing untold difficulties for the veterans and their extended families.

"If Prime Minister Martin intends to use his own Air Force jet, the additional veterans who might be provided with air transportation would probably be restricted to the time available as it is understood Mr. Martin will not be in attendance at the full ceremonies," Chadderton concluded.