July 1, 2015 – Ottawa – Veterans Affairs Canada
On behalf of the Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Senator David Wells participated in a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to honour the Newfoundland soldiers who fought and died at Beaumont-Hamel, France, during the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
Wreaths are placed next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial, a deeply sacred site where an unnamed Canadian soldier who died in the First World War is laid to rest, unknown, but never forgotten.
Commemorative wreath-laying ceremonies to mark the 99th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel were also held in St. John’s, Newfoundland, as well as in Beaumont-Hamel, France.
Martin Magnan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
