News Release
February 8, 2007
Canada's Capital Region - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Heather Chiasson, Acting Chairperson of the National Capital Commission (NCC) today unveiled an ice replica of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial as part of Winterlude 2007. This Easter will mark the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the dedication of the restored Memorial.
"As a part of Ottawa's Winterlude, Canada's New Government is proud to unveil an ice sculpture that recognizes the Battle of Vimy Ridge," said Minister Thompson. "This memorial commemorates a remarkable event in our country's history, which will be remembered this year and for generations to come."
Assisting the Minister and Mrs. Chiasson in unveiling the 26-ton sculpture were Second World War Veteran John Newell and Joyce Scott of Ottawa, who were both young children at the dedication of the Vimy Memorial by King Edward VIII in 1936.
"In keeping with our mandate to create a Capital region that is meaningful to Canadians, the NCC makes a continuous effort to recognize significant historical events through its programs,"said Heather Chiasson, Acting Chairperson, NCC. "The NCC is proud to work with Veterans Affairs Canada to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge".
The Vimy Memorial was originally built so that Canadians would never forget Canada's role in the First World War. Over time, flaws in the original construction, patchwork repairs and the inevitable effects of time and weather have taken their toll. In May 2001 Veterans Affairs Canada launched a major restoration project to address the monument's deterioration. The work will not only return the Monument to its original glory, but will enhance the memorial site with landscaping and lighting.
619,000 Canadians served in the "War to end all Wars". Of that number only three of those Canadians survive today.
For more information on Canada's contribution to the Battle of Vimy Ridge, please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca
For more information on the 29th edition of Winterlude, the public may contact the NCC at
(613) 239-5000 or at 1-800-465-1867, or visit the NCC's website.
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Media Enquiries:
Pamela Price
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(902) 368-0294
Kathryn Keyes
Media Relations Advisor
National Capital Commission
(613) 239-5636
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
