Kevin Vickers Announced as Keynote Speaker for Lest We Forget - N'oublions jamais

Atlantic Maple Leaf announced today that Mr. Kevin Vickers, former Sergeant-at-Arms and Canadian Ambassador to Ireland will be the keynote speaker at the Lest We Forget - N’oublions jamais Tribute Dinner to be held on November 10, the evening before Remembrance Day ceremonies, at the Moncton Agrena Complex.

The purpose of Lest We Forget is to recognize and remember New Brunswickers who have served and sacrificed for Canada - a cause Vickers knows first-hand.

Vickers, native of Newcastle, NB, was hailed as a hero by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada’s parliamentarians, and other prominent Canadian and international figures for his brave actions in the October 2014 attack on Parliament Hill. Vickers served as Canada’s Sergeant-at-Arms from August 2006 to January 2015.

Prior to his tenure at Parliament, Vickers served in the RCMP with distinction for 29 years, where he attained the rank of Chief Superintendent and successfully led a number of high-profile investigations. This January, Vickers was appointed as Canada’s Ambassador to Ireland.

“I was tremendously impressed by the way New Brunswickers supported the RCMP and the families of the fallen after the tragic events of last June where we lost three RCMP officers.” says, Vickers “I am pleased to be a part of this event which recognizes their contribution and the contribution of all those who serve in uniform.”

The Tribute Dinner, where Vickers will speak, is part of a two day Remembrance event which includes 25,000 sq ft of historic displays, equipment and vehicles from New Brunswick’s 167 years of military history. The displays will be open to the public at no charge on November 11, Remembrance Day.

The announcement was made at an invite-only luncheon at the Delta Beauséjour where Honorary Event Chair Robert K. Irving, and Honorary Colonel and Event Chair Elisabeth Rybak welcomed over 100 business and community leaders, military and RCMPmembers.

“We are deeply honoured and grateful that Mr. Vickers has agreed to be a part of Lest We Forget,” said Rybak. “He embodies the very dedication to service and sacrifice we will gather to recognize and honour.”

“It is a tremendous privilege for the Greater Moncton community to host "Lest We Forget" - it will shine a spotlight on Greater Moncton - and will demonstrate to all Canadians, and to the world, just how much our community values the remarkable contribution of our men and women in uniform,” said Robert Irving. “We want every one of them to know just how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.”

Funds raised at the Tribute Dinner will go to the Military Families Fund, the Cadet Youth program, programs that preserve the military heritage of our region and to the Moncton Fallen Members Fund of the RCMP Foundation.

Organizers are seeking additional sponsors to join the growing list of companies who have committed to supporting the Tribute including Presenting Sponsor - BMO, Dinner Sponsor - Cabela’s, Vehicle Display sponsor - Toys for Big Boys and Printing Sponsor - InColor. A number of community organizations and communications partners are also contributing.

“Atlantic Canadians have a huge amount of respect for our military and RCMP, those who serve so courageously and selflessly to protect, and for their families, “ said David Hawkins, Community Ambassador for the event. “So far, we have had a lot of interest from potential financial supporters who want to be engaged and make this a great success. It is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude. We need everyone, the entire community, to get behind this worthy cause - and especially now, with Kevin Vickers remarkable commitment and involvement!”