OTTAWA — A 220-strong Canadian Forces contingent leaves Canada today for the Netherlands to take part in the 90th Nijmegen Marches, a strenuous 160 km military march, which will be conducted from July 18 to July 21, 2006. Canadian military contingents have marched at Nijmegen every year since 1952.
Led by Brigadier-General Raymond Romses, Commander Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (London), 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.
CF annual participation in this event pays lasting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in bringing freedom to the Dutch people and all team members are proud to participate in this important annual event.
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 40,000 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 have trained for months to complete the four days of marching,” said Brig.-Gen. Romses. “Nijmegen is a test of physical fitness and stamina. It is also a time for CF members to reflect and commemorate the sacrifice made by Canadians in defence of 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:
Images of Operation NIJMEGEN 2006 can be found at the following Combat Camera web site:
http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/common/combatcamera/Default.asp
Additional Background information can also be found at the following DND website:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/current_ops_e.asp
Interview requests with CF members may be done by contacting the Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353/2354, or by contacting Lt Ken Allan, Op NIJMEMGN 2006 Public Affairs Officer on location at (613) 852-7163.
