Painting Exhibition of Veterans Opens

An exhibition of paintings celebrating the reconciliation and forgiveness of a group of World War Two veterans opened today, Oct. 12, at Province House in Halifax.

The 21 paintings feature veterans from Canada, Britain and Germany. They were painted by Catherine Jones of Halifax.

The exhibition, called At the End of the Day, was inspired by the Dinner of Reconciliation in Ortona, Italy, in 1998 when former combatants gathered for dinner. During the Second World War Ortona was the scene of heavy fighting.

"This exhibit is a tribute to the veterans and the spirit of reconciliation they have shown," said Speaker of the House of Assembly Murray Scott.

"We are happy to have this exhibit at Province House because it is a moving example of forgiveness that we can all learn from."

Ms. Jones said she has always admired veterans and painting them has been a privilege.

"Painting the veterans has changed my life because this is the first time my art has been appreciated on an emotional level. Veterans deserve to be treated as royalty."

The exhibit is open until Friday, Oct. 21, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and when the legislature is in session.

The paintings have been displayed at the Senate in Ottawa and provincial legislatures in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario as part of a cross-Canada tour. The collection moves on to Newfoundland and Labrador next. The tour is in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of World War Two and the Year of the Veteran.