Minister Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament for Cambridge-North Dumfries, welcomed news that Portraits of Honour artist, Dave Sopha, was presented with a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, by Veterans Affairs Minister, Steven Blaney, and that Kin Canada Portraits of Honour Tour, is receiving $100,000 in federal funding.

“The Portraits of Honour is a national treasurer.  This mobile monument, celebrated by Canadians from sea, to sea, to sea, was made possible because of the inspiration, dedication and patriotism of Dave Sopha. He has earned this commendation”, said Minister Goodyear.  “Our government is proud to support an initiative that respectfully memorializes these men and women. “Kin Canada’s tour provides Canadians with an opportunity to pay tribute to our nation’s truest heroes.”

The Portraits of Honour is a mural created by artist Dave Sopha. Mr. Sopha has painstakingly created a portrait of each member of the Canadian Forces who has lost his or her life in Afghanistan. Kin Canada is taking this 10’ x 40’ mural to approximately 180 communities across the country from May to November 2011, to encourage Canadians to become more engaged in remembrance.

In addition to providing funding, Veterans Affairs Canada is joining the tour at a number of locations with a special display of the Seventh Book of Remembrance. This book, which is normally on permanent display in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower in Ottawa, contains the names of Canadian Forces members who have lost their lives since October 1, 1947, with the exception of those who are commemorated in the Korean War Book of Remembrance.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation recognizes individuals who have performed commendable service to the Veteran community.

The Portraits of Honour Tour is funded in part by Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community Engagement Partnership Fund (CEPF). Applications to the CEPF program are accepted throughout the year. Non-profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding.