February 7, 2008
Ottawa - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Ms. Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital Commission (NCC), unveiled today an ice replica of the Menin Gate Memorial as part of Winterlude 2008. The Menin Gate Memorial is located in Ypres, Belgium, and bears the names of more than 55,000 soldiers of the British Commonwealth who died in the Ypres area of Belgium during the First World War and whose final resting place is unknown. Of these, almost 7,000 are Canadians.
"This tribute helps us understand the great sacrifice made by so many Canadians and it strengthens our resolve to share their story with future generations," stated Minister Thompson. "More than 620,000 Canadians answered our country's call during its time of greatest need. As we prepare to mark the 90th Anniversary of the end of the First World War, this ice replica reminds us of the great debt we owe our honoured Veterans."
"This third year of collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada during Winterlude provides the NCC the opportunity to tell important Canadian stories as part of our winter celebration," said Ms. Marie Lemay, NCC Chief Executive Officer.
Also attending the unveiling was Mr. Guy Gruwez, past Chair of the Last Post Association in Ypres. Members of the Last Post Association sound the Last Post every evening at sunset at the Menin Gate Memorial. This is a daily tradition dating back to 1928, with the exception of the time when the city of Ypres was under enemy occupation during the Second World War. The ceremony resumed on the very evening the city was liberated, in spite of heavy fighting nearby.
The ice sculpture is located in the "Casino du Lac-Leamy Crystal Garden" in Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa. For more information on Winterlude 2008, visit www.winterlude.gc.ca (Opens a new window). For more information on Canada's contribution during the First World War, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
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