Government of Canada honours those who served bravely and at great cost

Annual ceremony of remembrance held at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

BEAUMONT-HAMEL, France, Nov. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - The Royal Newfoundland Regiment served with great courage and sacrifice during the First World War. The Government of Canada and the people of Newfoundland are grateful for their tremendous sacrifice.

Today marked the official Government of Canada Remembrance Day ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial near the village of Albert, in the Somme region of France.

Mr. Vincent Klassen, chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Canada in France, joined Odile Bureau, sous-préfète of Péronne and representative of the French Republic; members of the Canadian Armed Forces based in Europe; Veterans; military representatives from other countries; and Canadian and French citizens for a ceremony of remembrance at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.                   

We encourage all French citizens and Canadians to remember. This Veterans' Week, express your gratitude and appreciation for Canada's Veterans, those who gave their lives in service, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who come from diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional backgrounds.

Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #CanadaRemembers and #Passchendaele100 or visit canada.ca/canada-remembers

Quotes

"Beaumont-Hamel has always held a special place in my heart as a symbol of both selfless courage and sorrowing loss. This memorial honours the Newfoundlanders who placed service above sacrifice and who placed country above comfort. Join me today in honouring them and all Canadians who have served their country. They are heroes."

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

"A century ago, the great courage and sacrifice of soldiers from Newfoundland and Canada laid the foundation for the strong relationship Canada and France still enjoy today. As we continue to mark important First World War anniversaries like the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, ceremonies of remembrance like this one ensure that we also take time to remember those who have served in the years since, as well as those who continue to defend the shared ideals our two countries cherish."

Mr. Vincent Klassen, chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Canada in France

Quick Facts

• 2017 is a special year of commemoration for Canada, including Canada 150, the 100^th anniversaries of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele, and the 75^th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
• Since Confederation, more than 2.3 million Canadians have served in uniform to defend freedom and democracy—with more than 118,000 having given their lives.
• On July 1, 1916, the First World War's Battle of the Somme began in northern France when waves of Allied soldiers climbed from the trenches to advance through a hail of enemy fire toward the German lines.
• That day, the brave members of the Newfoundland Regiment were hit especially hard; more than 700 Newfoundlanders—some 86% of those who went into battle—were killed, wounded or went missing.
• 2017 marks the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. In a muddy corner of Belgium, Canadians overcame almost unimaginable hardships to capture this ruined village in 1917.

Associated Links

• Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
• Canada Remembers – Official Veterans' Week webpage
• Google Streetview of Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
• Canadian student guides will hold a Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial 

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Media inquiries: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; European Operations, Veterans Affairs Canada, [phone]

Related Links

www.veterans.gc.ca