PASSENDALE, BELGIUM, November 10, 2007--Today marks the 90th Anniversary of the end of the Battle of Passchendaele. The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and the Honourable Jay D. Hill, Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip for the Government of Canada, on behalf of Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, represented Canada's Government at international events in Belgium to mark the occasion.
Ministers unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque at the Canadian Passchendaele Memorial. They were joined by Ambassador Laurette Glasgow, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Vice Admiral Glenn Davidson, Senior Canadian Military Representative to NATO and representatives from Canadian Veterans' organizations. The plaque commemorates the national historic significance of the Battle of Passchendaele.
"Today we dedicate a commemorative plaque, placed on the grounds where thousands of Canadian soldiers once fought through muddy battlefields, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom," said Minister Hill. "On this day, as our nation celebrates Veterans' Week, we honour their sacrifice."
After the plaque unveiling, the delegation followed a processional march from the memorial to the Church of Passendale where they participated in the official commemorative ceremony and wreath laying. The Canadian delegation was joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Karel De Gucht, representing the Government of Belgium; and Minister Geert Bourgeois, representing the Government of Flanders.
"Canadians will forever remember Passchendaele as a triumph over great adversity. As a nation, we showed bravery and perseverance," said Minister Prentice. "It is with great pride that the Government of Canada is represented at these events in Belgium marking the 90th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Passchendaele."
The Canadian delegation also laid wreaths at the Courtrai Newfoundland Memorial, and the St. Julien Canadian Memorial. Ministers Prentice and Hill then presented gifts to the winners of the Alex Decoteau Memorial Run (November 4), honouring the Canadian indigenous Olympic runner who died in the Battle of Passchendaele. The Canadian delegation will also participate in traditional Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Belgian Monument and the Menin Gate in Ypres.
For more information on Canada's participation in the Battle of Passchendaele visit www.passchendaele.ca.
Information:
Nicole Racette
National Director
National Corporate Communications Branch
Parks Canada
613-769-4638
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
Richard Roik
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Backgrounders associated with this News Release.
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Parks Canada Agency
The Battle of Passchendaele
