Government of Canada honours those who served to protect freedom and democracy

News Release

Reference N14153E

Annual remembrance ceremony held at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

November 8, 2014 – Beaumont-Hamel, France – Veterans Affairs Canada

Canadian and French citizens gathered today at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, in France, to pay tribute to the men and women who served their countries from the First World War to current missions.

Mr. Graeme Clark, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Canadian Embassy in Paris, participated in the ceremony, along with Mr. Joël Dubreuil, Sub-Prefect of Péronne, French Republic.

Quick Facts

Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. It was originally called "Armistice Day" to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. We remember the more than 1,500,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Quotes

"We owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women that sacrificed so much in order to protect our cherished way of life. The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial serves to remind everyone of our duty to remember and honour those who courageously defended our freedom."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"There are few places in the world that serve as a greater testament to the incredible history of our nation or the strength of our people than Beaumont-Hamel. The Government of Canada is committed to commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women in uniform whose legacy is the peace and security we continue to enjoy as Canadians."
Mr. Graeme Clark, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Canadian Embassy, Paris

Associated Link

Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

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Contacts

Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

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Date modified:: 2016-12-14

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Government of Canada honours those who served to protect freedom and democracy

News Release

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