Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations (52 member groups), will participate in the unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating the national historical significance of the Veterans Charter tonight at 7 p.m. at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The plaque, arranged by Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, explains the significance of the Veterans Charter as follows:

A programme of innovative social legislation, known collectively as the Veterans Charter, provided an unprecedented level of benefits to those who served in the Second World War. Advanced by the Canadian Government, the Charter eased the transition from military to civilian life. It offered over a million ex-service men and women the opportunity to obtain an education, re-enter the work force, build homes, buy land and start businesses. The Charter accelerated economic expansion and led the way in extending social programmes to all Canadians. 

“The Government’s edict in establishing 2005 as the Year of the Veteran provides an opportunity – maybe the last one – to harness all our forces and add to the long-established military heritage of the country. The plaque unveiling tonight is another significant event in this special year,” said Mr. Chadderton, who commanded a company of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles during the Second World War and is Honorary Chair of the Year of the Veteran.

Mr. Chadderton, who is also Chief Executive Officer of The War Amps, produced a documentary called The Veterans Charter. Part of The War Amps Military Heritage Documentary Series, it recounts the fascinating history of war pensions in Canada.