OTTAWA—A contingent of some 220 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel leaves Canada today for Nijmegen, Netherlands, to take part in the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, a prestigious Dutch marching event Canadian military contingents have participated in every year since 1952. Over the course of the event, which will take place July 17-20, 2007, all participants must complete a 160 km march while carrying a standard military rucksack weighing at least 10 kg.
“The Nijmegen Marches is an excellent fitness activity and endurance test that builds morale and develops core military values, including leadership and teamwork, in all participants,” says Brigadier-General Raymond Romses, Commander, Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (London). “Having our members in uniform participate also helps them understand what their predecessors achieved and sacrificed in defence of our freedom, values and way of life,” he adds.
The Canadian contingent represents the entire CF, comprising members of the Regular Force and the Reserves from across the country. During the months of training required to be selected for the Canadian contingent, candidates test both their physical and mental stamina by marching an average of 700 km with their rucksacks, which is why Canadian soldiers, sailors and air personnel consider it an honour and privilege to be selected for the gruelling four-day event.
Participation by the CF in this event also includes paying a lasting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in bringing freedom to the Dutch people. During their stay in the Nijmegen area, the CF 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.
The Nijmegen Marches is also the world’s largest walking event, attracting thousands of civilian participants as well as hundreds of other military teams. More than 40,000 marchers from at least 50 nations are expected to participate this year.
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NOTE TO NEWS/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS:
Interviews can be arranged between Canadian media outlets and Canadian Forces personnel who are in Nijmegen by contacting the Public Affairs Officer on location, Ms. Tina Crouse, at: 613-286-2398.
As still imagery of the Nijmegen Marches is obtained it will be posted on the Combat Camera website at:
www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
For further information, visit the official website of the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen at:
http://www.4daagse.nl/index.asp?taal=en&pagina=homepagina&interactivepage
For information on Canadian Forces participation in the Nijmegen Marches, visit:
http://www.forces.gc.ca
For more information:
Canadian Troops Participate in Nijmegen Marches
[ Backgrounder - 13 July 2007 ]
