OTTAWA - A 220-strong Canadian Forces contingent leaves Canada today for the Netherlands to take part in the 89 th Nijmegen Marches, a strenuous 160 km military march, which will be conducted from July 19 to July 22, 2005. Canadian military contingents have marched at Nijmegen every year since 1952.
Led by Brigadier-General Raymond Romses, Commander of the Land Force Atlantic Area, the Canadian contingent represents the entire CF, comprising members of the Regular Force and the Reserves from across the country. Canadian soldiers, sailors and air personnel consider it an honour and privilege to be selected for the gruelling four-day event.
The enduring bond between the Canadian and the Dutch people was never so evident as during the recent 60 th Anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Our annual participation in this event pays lasting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in bringing freedom to the Dutch people. We are proud to participate in this important annual event.
"Canada's participation in the Nijmegen Marches is particularly significant this year because it is the 60 th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, in which Canada played a key role," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. "The Nijmegen Marches is also a great example of Dutch-Canadian friendship and co-operation."
An international training exercise that develops such core military values as leadership, teamwork and stamina, the Nijmegen Marches is also the world's largest walking event, attracting thousands of civilian participants as well as hundreds of military teams. More than 45,000 marchers from at least 50 nations are expected to participate this year.
For military participants, the Nijmegen Marches is a stern test of physical and mental stamina; they must complete 160 km in four days, while carrying a standard military rucksack weighing at least 10 kg. During the months of training required to be selected for the Canadian contingent, candidates march an average of 700 km with their rucksacks.
"Canada will be well represented by the members of the Canadian Forces contingent, who trained for months to complete the four days of marching," said Brig.-Gen. Romses. "Nijmegen is more than a test of physical fitness and stamina, however; is also a time to commemorate the sacrifice made by Canadians in defence of our freedom."
During their stay in the Nijmegen area, the Canadian Forces contingent will visit the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery to pay their respects to the more than 2,300 Canadian soldiers and airmen who died to liberate the Netherlands in 1944 and 1945. On the way to Nijmegen, contingent members will also visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France to hold a memorial ceremony, supported by the Royal Canadian Legion.
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Note to the editors: Broadcast quality b-roll is available upon request. Photos of Operation NIJMEGEN can be found at: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=1697 or by calling the Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353/2354.
