OTTAWA, ON, May 22, 2006 - The 55-member National Council of Veteran Associations today agreed that, if requested, the body of Captain Nichola Goddard, of the 1^st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, will be buried in the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa.

Cliff Chadderton, NCVA Chairman, stated that this would be at the request of the family and any costs if necessary would be borne by the National Council. He added that this would be a great honour for the NCVA and would serve as a lasting tribute to Captain Goddard.

The occasion would be of special significance in that Captain Goddard would be the first military person to be buried in the new national memorial plot in the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.

Chadderton stated that this appeared as a better solution than flying the Canadian flag at half mast, particularly as it would indicate that those who lost their lives in the war in the Middle East would be given the same honours as veterans killed in previous wars including World War II and Korea.

He added that a guard of honour consisting of World War II veterans and peacekeepers would be mounted if this meets the request of the family and of the Department of National Defence. Due to the short notice, the arrangements for a colour guard would be carried out with full military honours, again if such is the request of the family and DND.