March 7, 2005 On November 5, 2004, the Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Canada, declared 2005 the Year of the Veteran. As part of the Year of the Veteran, Veterans Affairs Canada is organizing a small media tour to Vimy, France, to witness the current work being conducted to restore and rehabilitate the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, meet the professionals involved in this work, and view and learn about some of Canada's other First World War memorials in the region. The tour will be conducted April 6-11, 2005 and will include an onsite remembrance ceremony on April 9, Vimy Day, to mark the 88th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Spaces are limited, so interested reporters should contact the number below by March 21. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is prepared to defray the costs of Canadian media accommodation and travel. For media outlets with a pay policy, costs are estimated to be approximately $1,700 per person. Canadian Battlefield Memorials Restoration Project On May 24, 2001, the Canadian Government announced a $30 million project to repair and restore the Vimy Memorial as well as Canada's 12 other First World War Battlefield Memorials in Europe. With the exception of the Vimy Memorial, in most cases this work has been completed. On November 24, 2004, the Government announced the awarding of a $16.3 million contract to the Belgian firm of Monument Vanderkerckhove S.A. for the restoration of the Vimy Memorial. One of the subcontractors hired by the Belgian firm is a Canadian firm. Currently the monument itself is not accessible to the public; however, other areas of the battlefield park remain open. Special guided access into the construction area will be arranged during this trip. The Vimy Memorial was unveiled in 1936. The passage of time, wear and tear, and harsh weather conditions have led to the monument's deterioration, including significant water damage. Its restoration requires more than routine maintenance. The work includes repairing the Monument's stone, walkways, walls, terraces, stairs and platforms; addressing the problems of thermal expansion and contraction of the masonry; and restoring damaged names that were inscribed on the monument to publicly record the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who gave their lives in France during the First World War and have no known grave. The Vimy Memorial is a designated National Historic Site of Canada, and the restoration work will respect the historical and cultural integrity of the original monument design by the artist and architect, Walter S. Allward. For more information on the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Vimy Memorial, and the current restoration project, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada web site (see "Canada Remembers" then "Memorials" or "History"). - 30 - Media Enquiries: Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468 All Other Enquiries: information@vac-acc.gc.ca
