News Release Archive
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR--HOLIDAY SEASON MESSAGE ------------------------------------------------------------ 1995 HOLIDAY SEASON MESSAGE BY THEIR HONOURS, HON. JOHN JAMES KINLEY, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF NOVA SCOTIA, AND MRS. GRACE ELIZABETH KINLEY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HALIFAX. Fellow Nova Scotians: Compliments of the season. This is the second year that I have the opportunity of greeting you at the Christmas season as the Queen's representative in this Province, and what a year it has been! I believe all of you will recall how the year started so mildly and continued during one of the mildest winter seasons many people can recall. My wife Grace and I, like most Nova Scotians, spent the major part of the winter here in Nova Scotia. Winter can be a very pleasant time; we like the change of seasons, as I am sure many of you do. More and more Nova Scotians are taking part in winter sports, which have always been popular in our province. Although our winters are milder than in most parts of Canada, they can also be longer, so that we all welcome spring. Grace and I were fortunate to have one week in Bermuda where we attended the closing ceremonies of the Royal Naval Base, which had been operating there for 200 years. Many Nova Scotians, particularly naval and air force people, have memories of serving in Bermuda and many continue to carry out operations in the North Atlantic between Nova Scotia and Bermuda for training purposes, and at the same time participating with the Canadian Coast Guard in lifesaving operations. Such operations were so successful in recent weeks when Canadian Armed Forces personnel operating from HMCS Calgary, and with the very skilful and professional use of helicopters, were successful, under very adverse weather conditions, in lifting the crew from a sinking ship. Our days in Bermuda brought many memories to me not only of that area but other parts of the western Atlantic well known to our Nova Scotian seamen and airmen in peace as well as war. The Canada Remembers program, which started as an annual event over two years ago, was extended because of the great response by so many people in so many communities throughout Canada who wanted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the winning of peace in Europe and the Far East. The very notable difference in this 50th anniversary of Canada Remembers was the emphasis on peace and looking ahead, while at the same time remembering the work and sacrifice of so many Canadians during the wartime years. The Canada Remembers activities were tied in with the worldwide activities of the United Nations which was also celebrating 50 years of peace. At Government House we held a ceremony where Global Citizenship Awards were presented to people who had been recognized by the United Nations for their efforts for peace. The commemoration and dedication of a Peace Garden also took place at Government House, with the planting of several hundred tulip bulbs surrounding a Canadian maple tree, followed by a Spirit of Peace Run from Government House to the Veterans Memorial Building, Camp Hill Medical Centre. All during the year, as in the 50 years preceding, Canadians have been engaged in peacekeeping in different parts of the world. At times this can be dangerous, and some Canadians have given their lives in the pursuit of peace. However, when the fighting, particularly in the former Yugoslavia, appeared to be collapsing into a wartime situation, through a concerted effort the conflict appears to have been avoided, and hopes for peace in this troubled area have been gaining strength. The year 1995 was designated by the United Nations as the Year of Tolerance, as people across the world sought ways of working together for the betterment of one another in the maintaining of peace. While there continue to be trouble spots, nevertheless we are succeeding in achieving peace in more parts of the world, and for a longer time than ever before, and we are hoping and working to do even better in the new year and the years ahead. As the year draws to a close in our northern nation, with short days and long nights, it is always a time for drawing closer together with our friends, and particularly our families. The Christmas season and the season of Hannukah bring together families and bright lights which lighten our associations, even though they happen during the darkest part of the year. It is a season of happiness in which people of all faiths can share. As we approach the end of the year, we are looking forward to 1996. The United Nations has designated 1996 as the Year of the Eradication of Poverty, a truly laudable pursuit for all people and all nations. My wife, Grace, joins with me and our family in expressing to all of you and your families a joyous time in this Christmas season, and may we all dedicate ourselves to making 1996 a happier and more prosperous New Year for people everywhere. trp Dec. 15, 1995