July 14, 2015
OTTAWA – General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, wished more than 200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members the best of luck in the 99th annual International Four Days Marches Nijmegen at a departure parade held today at the Canadian War Museum.
Colonel Kristiana Stevens will lead the CAF contingent which will also play a role in commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation – a Second World War campaign which saw significant contributions and sacrifice from our Canadian soldiers.
“The Canadian Armed Forces has participated in the Nijmegen Marches every year since 1952, displaying stamina, teamwork, and honour. This year’s Marches will bear particular significance as members of the Canadian contingent commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. I wish all of our participating members well as they honour those Canadians who fought and died during the Second World War to liberate the same streets and countryside across which the contingent will march.”
General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian troops during the Second World War. The bravery and sacrifice shown by these troops is why I am so proud to march alongside the Canadian Armed Forces contingent in the 2015 Nijmegen Marches. Commemorating those who went before us in the defence of our freedom, our values, and our way of life serves as a reminder of the important ideals by which we should measure our present-day actions as Canadians.”
Colonel Kristiana Stevens, Commander, Joint Task Force Nijmegen
For more information about the CAF’s participation in the Nijmegen Marches, please consult the Nijmegen Marches Backgrounder
For more information on CAF participation in the Nijmegen Marches, please visit: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/od-bdo/di-ri-eng.asp?IntlOpId=192&CdnOpId=232
To follow the CAF teams live during their 2015 Marches, visit the official Facebook page, “Joint Task Force Nijmegen”, on Twitter @CanadianForces, and on Flickr, “Canadian Forces Photos.”
For more information on the Nijmegen Marches, please visit the official website of the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen at http://www.4daagse.nl/index.php/en.htm
To track all marchers live throughout the event, download the Official Four Days Marches App at http://www.4daagse.nl/en/participants/four-days-marches-app.html that will allow you to know where they are, how far it is to the next medical and rest area, how fast they are walking, and where their friends or other teams are.
- 30 -
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
