Reference N14029E
Ottawa - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, made the following statement today on the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the Second Battle of Ypres:
"April 24 marks the 99th anniversary of the Second Battle of Ypres during which Canadians were the target of direct gas attacks. In that first Canadian engagement on a European battlefield, many soldiers gave their lives defending the Ypres Salient, in Belgium.
"On that occasion, Canadian soldiers experienced their first poison gas attack, as well as facing the shells and machine-gun fire of the German forces. In spite of a fierce offensive, they managed to hold their ground until reinforcements arrived.
"Today we are proud of those valiant Canadians who took part in the First World War, serving their country in the cause of peace and freedom."
Nicholas Bergamini
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
