Canadian Armed Forces teams complete the 2018 International Four Days Marches Nijmegen
News release
July 20, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today marks the end of the 102nd annual International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, in the Netherlands. This year, members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from across Canada participated in the marching event, and were awarded the coveted Four Day Marches medal.
The CAF contingent, led by Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, marched 40 km a day for four days, an effort concluding in a five-kilometre victory parade. The parade was attended by thousands of spectators who cheered the CAF contingent in commemoration of the Canadian soldiers who liberated the Netherlands from Nazi occupation during the Second World War.
Originally a means by which the Dutch infantry aimed to increase their long-distance marching and weight-carrying ability, the Marches have evolved into an international four-day event that draws 51,000-plus military and civilian participants from more than 50 countries to challenge their physical and mental endurance. The CAF has participated in the Marches every year since 1952.
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Quotes
“The Canadian Armed Forces’ participation in the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen brings pride to our whole country. Our participation in the marches allowed us to commemorate the sacrifices made by two generations of Canadians who fought for the rights and freedom we have today”.
- Lieutenant-General Charles Lamarre, Commander Military Personnel Command
“I am very proud of the dedication and perseverance that our Canadian Armed Forces contingent demonstrated at the 102nd annual International Four Days Marches Nijmegen. Their camaraderie and esprit de corps, two characteristics required to complete such an endeavour, were evident”.
- Colonel Geoff Abthorpe, Commander Joint Task Force Nijmegen
“We, the Dutch, are a very grateful country to the Canadian people for the efforts they took to liberate the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War. And we show that gratitude by being present at these important moments. ”
- Warrant Officer D.J.M. De Vries, Camp Heumensoord Sergeant Major at the Groesbeek Remembrance service held at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery on July 16, 2018.
Quick facts
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The CAF contingent in the 2018 Nijmegen marches was comprised of 14 teams from across Canada, with 11 marchers each, plus special guests and support staff.
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The military personnel who participated were from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, representing all ranks and trades, Regular and Reserve Force, male and female, and of diverse backgrounds.
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While overseas, the CAF contingent commemorated Canada’s First World War legacy in Europe, in particular, the 100th Anniversary of the end of the First World War, with ceremonies at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, as well as a visit to the St-Symphorien Military Cemetery, where the first and last soldiers from the First World War are buried. A parade and remembrance service also took place at City Hall, in the Grand-Place in Mons, Belgium.
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On the day prior to the Marches, the contingent held a memorial service at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, where 2,338 Canadian soldiers who participated in the campaign to liberate the Netherlands during the Second World War are buried. In 1944-1945 more than 7 600 Canadians died in the nine-month campaign to liberate the Netherlands and carry the Second World War to its conclusion. Their sacrifice has never been forgotten. Both Canadians and the Dutch still recall those events and celebrate the lasting bonds that were created between our two countries more than a half a century ago.
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Contacts
Lt Stacie Nelles
Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 204-688-3267
Email: Stacie.Nelles@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca