Canada has been consistently rated as one of the best countries, if not the best country, in the world to live in by the United Nations Human Development Index. While Canadians themselves are as diverse the landscape of this great nation, all Canadians share an inheritance of a magnificent country in which to live.

However, this gift was not simply given to us, but was earned out of the hard work and sacrifice by the many Canadians who have struggled to build this great nation. Key to the development of this great land are the thousands of men and woman who have served in Canada's Armed Forces. Through their achievements and sacrifices, Canadian service men and women have played a major role in shaping both Canada and the world in times of war, as peacekeepers and peacemakers, and through their activities after their military service.

In recognition of their contribution, Visit Canada Visitez has created the Canadian Veterans' Site on our trail. The site will be dedicated to ALL Canadian Veterans.

		The Veterans' site will consist of a large crescent –shaped plaza with suitable logo in the centre. Interpretive panels will display information on Canada's military commitments and great human resource sacrifice throughout the 1900's. Surrounding the plaza will be poppies and 14 crosses: one cross representing the Veterans from each province and territory, as well as one for the nation.
The centerpiece of the site will be a spectacular monument made from pieces of stones from countries where Canada has fought or kept the peace. The base will house four stones representing the South African War, the first World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War.
		These stones will spiral upward from the base toward a sculpture of a peace dove in an "unfinished" manner. The unfinished monument allows for approximately 50 blocks to be added for future operations. Symbolically, the stones climbing to the dove represents the ultimate goal of our military action, striving for peace, and the unfinished nature of the monument demonstrates that the work towards achieving peace is ongoing.
The location of the Veterans site is at the base of a high ridge adjacent to a large parking lot. The site and attached parking lot can accommodate upwards of 5,000 people for a Remembrance Day parade or other auspicious occasion, with full accessibility for the young, the elderly, as well as the physically challenged.
		The development of this extraordinary site is currently underway. We have assembled a special sub-committee to work with us in retrieving the stones, which includes representatives of the Department of National Defence, Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the Lester B. Pearson Peacekeeping Training Centre. In fact, we have already recieved the stone to represent the First World War. It will be a cornerstone from the Canadian National Vimy Memorial which is currently under restoration. We are both extremely pleased and honoured to be graced with such a significant piece for our monument.
We have created opportunities for organizations and individuals to contribute to the project. In appreciation of your gift, Visit Canada Visitez is pleased to offer a charitable receipt for income tax purposes, a certificate of participation, and a 25 character name placement on the sponsorship kiosk. This is an excellent way for an organization to receive permanent recognition of their commitment to Canada, or, it can make the perfect gift for someone who has everything, as a memorial for a family member or veteran, or to celebrate the birth of a child or grandchild.