War brides plaque

The Ottawa Citizen, August 27, 2000: Monument honours war brides HALIFAX - It took almost 55 years, but yesterday the federal government honoured the European war brides who braved the dangerous North Atlantic crossing to join their husbands in Canada. About 500 people attended a dedication ceremony at Pier 21, the waterfront warehouse in Halifax which has been converted into an immigration museum. A plaque was unveiled recognizing the roughly 48,000 war brides who followed their husbands back to Canada between 1942 and 1945. Most landed at Pier 21, where an exhibit now tells their story. "The war brides as a group exemplify courage and tenacity," said Heritage Minister Sheila Copps. A majority of the women came from Britain but there were also many who came from other parts of Europe including Holland, Belgium and France. They were accompanied by 22,000 children. "I'm proud the Canadian government is recognizing the contribution of these very important women to the history of this country," said historian Melynda Jarrat. The Canadian Press