April 5, 2007
Ottawa - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, was joined today by Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint and Joe Geurts, Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum to unveil a new commemorative coin in honour of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Members of the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) contingent were also in attendance for the unveiling at the Canadian War Museum, which served as a send-off for their journey to France to attend the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge events.
"I am delighted to take part in the unveiling of this new coin that will commemorate one of Canada's most defining moments in history the Battle of Vimy Ridge," said Minister Thompson. " Canadians can keep this coin to remember the sacrifices made by those brave Canadians who served in the First World War."
The Royal Canadian Mint will issue the coin on April 18, 2007. With a limited mintage of 15,000, the sterling silver coin has a face value of $30.00 and will sell for $79.95. The Mint has a history of striking coins in honour of Canada's military history. This coin is the third in a series of coins featuring National War Memorials.
" This coin is a solemn and elegant tribute to the heroic sacrifices our forefathers made at Vimy Ridge," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. " Each of our sterling silver coins depicting Canada's national monuments to its war casualties are more than simple collectibles: they are a tribute to all the men and women who risked life and limb in the defence of Canada's values."
The Battle of Vimy Ridge began on April 9, 1917. It was there that the Canadians captured Vimy Ridge. This success came at a cost of more than 10,000 casualties, of which 3,598 were fatal.
For more information on Vimy events, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call toll-free 1-800-443-0394.
The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. In operation since 1908, the Royal Canadian Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Images and product details of the Mint's newest collection are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.
VIMY - Hommage au patrimoine
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Media Enquiries:
Gerald A. Lefebvre Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649
Stephanie Richardson Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada 613-992-7428
Alex Reeves Manager, Communications Royal Canadian Mint 613 949-5777(cell/cellulaire): 613 884-6370 reeves@mint.ca
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
